Oilfish (Ruvettus pretiosus) are a species of snake mackerel with a cosmopolitan distribution in tropical and temperate oceans. They can be found at depths from 100 to 800 metres (330 to 2,620 ft), but most often between 200 and 400 metres (660 and 1,310 ft). Oilfish can grow to a length of 3 metres (9.8 ft), though most do not exceed 1.5 metres (4.9 ft). It is the only known member of its genus.
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PlanktivoreA planktivore is an aquatic organism that feeds on planktonic food, including zooplankton and phytoplankton. Phytoplankton are usually photosynthet...
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CarnivoreA carnivore meaning 'meat eater' is an organism that derives its energy and nutrient requirements from a diet consisting mainly or exclusively of a...
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OviparousOviparous animals are female animals that lay their eggs, with little or no other embryonic development within the mother. This is the reproductive...
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starts withOilfish are large, fusiform fish which often grow to 1.5 metres (4.9 ft) and a maximum of 3 metres (9.8 ft). Other distinctive features of this fish include the large fangs, rough scales, two pairs of finlets, and a uniformly brown coloration. Oilfish meat is extremely oily, containing high lipid concentrations. Though edible, the oil mainly consists of wax esters, which makes the meat act as a laxative if consumed in large quantities.
Fisheries targeting Oilfish are rare, occurring in small regions of the Atlantic and Pacific through the use of handlines. However, Oilfish are common bycatch for fisheries targeting Tuna and Swordfish, which employ longlines. Despite their laxative-inducing flesh, Japanese restaurants sell Oilfish meat under the name "white-fish" on account of its texture and flavor.
The flesh of Oilfish is rich in taste and can be substantially cheaper than that of other fish species, leading to some vendors intentionally mislabelling it as Butterfish or Cod. The consumer may then eat larger servings than recommended, unaware of the laxative affect, and suffer from diarrhea.
