Fin's Fish Guide
The Antarctic escolar (Paradiplospinus antarcticus) is a saltwater fish of the family Gempylidae that grows up to 52 cm.
Description
The Antarctic escolar is a snake mackerel (Gempylidae) from the cold waters of the Southern Ocean. The species has a strongly elongate, compressed, silvery body with a large mouth full of sharp teeth. Adults and subadults live epipelagically to mesopelagically, or near the bottom on the continental shelf and slope, from the surface to about 830 m at temperatures of around 0 to 4 degrees. Larvae and juveniles are probably mesopelagic. As a predator it hunts smaller fishes and crustaceans. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Antarctic escolar?
The Antarctic escolar has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Strongly elongated small cold-water predator with sharp teeth; from the surface to ~830 m.
Where does the Antarctic escolar live?
The Antarctic escolar lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Southern Ocean around Antarctica; epipelagic to mesopelagic.
How big does the Antarctic escolar get?
The Antarctic escolar grows to a maximum of about 52 cm. On average the species is around 35 cm.
Is the Antarctic escolar dangerous to humans?
No, the Antarctic escolar is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Antarctic escolar edible?
The Antarctic escolar is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Gempylidae
Want the complete picture on the Antarctic escolar?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Antarctic escolar is one of 12,519 species in the app.
Or scan with your phone