English Name: Escolar
Family: GEMPYLIDAE
Local Name: Rongu theyomas
Order: Perciformes
Size: Max. 2 m (standard length)
Specimen: MRS/P0 185/88
Distinctive Characters: First dorsal fin with 8-9 spines. Second dorsal fin with 16-18 rays, followed by 4-6 finlets. Anal fin with I or 2 comprised spines, 12-14 rays and 4-5 finlets. Pectoral fin with 15-17 rays. Body moderately elongate and slightly compressed. Caudal peduncle with large keel flanked by two smaller ones. Lateral line single, distinct and wavy.
Colour: Body uniformly dark brown, becoming almost black with age.
Habitat and Biology: Pelagic and oceanic. Found at depths of 200 m or more. Feeds on a wide variety of fishes, crustaceans and cephalopods.
Distribution: Warm oceanic waters of the world.
Remarks: Like other Gempylids, Lepidocybiumflavobrunneum is a moderately deep water fish. However, it does come up to the surface at night. Its flesh is very oily and causes stomach upsets if eaten.