Hello,
There are several species referred to as escolar, (family Gempylidae). These
fish are implicated in histamine poisoning and also reported as capable of
producing gempylotoxin.
In Australia where I live and work several thousand tonnes of Ruvettus and
Lepidocybium species are eaten, generally with little problem other than
keriorrhoea a laxative effect where oil is passed per rectum by some
individuals. This word was coined 21 years ago by South African
researchers who reported eating 500g of Lepidocybium without any visceral
discomfort.
My work and personal experience over 24 years has indicated large individual
variability in response: some people can eat 200g portion with no impact
others want a visit to the toilet with only 100gm portion.
Both species nevertheless are delicious and I can recommend them grilled; if
well handled (ie no hint of histamine problems) they are no more harmful
than eating prunes or figs. My partner and I wrote about them in Seafood
Australia magazine Issue 34, Spring 2000, page 29, with photos of Ruvettus
pretiosus and Lepidocybium flavobrunneum.
Nick Ruello
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