The escolar, Lepidocybium flavobrunneum, is a snake mackerel, the only species in the genus Lepidocybium. It is found in deep (200–885 m) tropical and temperate waters around the world. It is dark brown in color, growing darker with age until it is quite black. It is a fast-swimming fish with a prominent lateral keel and multiple finlets. It grows up to 2 m in length.

It is also marketed as "butterfish".

Creamy and truly melts in your mouth, it's similar to the consistency of salmon The meat is oil-rich and flavor-intensive. Warning: if you have never had Escolar before eat in moderation. With a high amount of oil content Escolar has been known to cause flu like symptoms in persons with sensitive digestive tracts