Fin's Fish Guide
The Striped escolar (Diplospinus multistriatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Gempylidae that grows up to 33 cm.
Widespread in deep, open water of warm and temperate seas, in the twilight zone (mesopelagic) of the ocean.
Description
The striped escolar is a very slender, silvery deepwater fish of the family Gempylidae (snake mackerels) reaching about 33 cm. The strongly elongate body has a long, low dorsal fin, large eyes and rows of small light spots along the belly that glow faintly in the dark. The species lives in the twilight zone of deep, open water of warm seas worldwide. At night it migrates upward to hunt small fish, squid and crustaceans, and by day it sinks back to depth. Because of its deep, hidden lifestyle it is rarely seen and has no fishery value; it turns up mainly in research catches and as stomach contents of larger predators.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Striped escolar?
The Striped escolar has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Very slender, silvery deep-water fish with a long dorsal fin, large eyes and small light spots; a night hunter of the twilight zone.
Where does the Striped escolar live?
The Striped escolar lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Widespread in deep, open water of warm and temperate seas, in the twilight zone (mesopelagic) of the ocean.
How big does the Striped escolar get?
The Striped escolar grows to a maximum of about 33 cm. On average the species is around 20 cm.
Is the Striped escolar dangerous to humans?
No, the Striped escolar is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Striped escolar edible?
The Striped escolar is not usually eaten.
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All data
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Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
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More from the family Gempylidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Striped escolar is one of 12,519 species in the app.