Oilfish
Ruvettus pretiosus
A deep-water pelagic fish with dark brown to black coloration and oily flesh that contains indigestible wax esters. Also known as castor oil fish, it's found in tropical and temperate waters worldwide.
Oilfish at a glance
- Scientific name
- Ruvettus pretiosus
- Typical size
- 36-60 inches, 30-100 lbs
- Water
- Saltwater
- Habitat
- Offshore
- Rarity in the Fishdex™
- Rare
Habitat
Oilfish inhabit deep offshore waters typically between 100-800 meters depth along continental slopes. Anglers typically encounter them while deep dropping for other species or during nighttime fishing when they rise closer to the surface. They are caught incidentally while targeting tilefish, grouper, or other deep-water species.
Catch one and it is yours
Log a oilfish through the Cobia Camera and this entry fills in with your photo, your personal best, and the exact conditions on the day. The app also carries the slot and season rules for wherever you are standing.
How the Fishdex™ worksOilfish questions people ask
Oilfish is Ruvettus pretiosus.
A typical oilfish runs 36-60 inches, 30-100 lbs. Cobia records the length and weight of every oilfish you log and keeps your personal best on its Fishdex entry.
Oilfish inhabit deep offshore waters typically between 100-800 meters depth along continental slopes. Anglers typically encounter them while deep dropping for other species or during nighttime fishing when they rise closer to the surface. They are caught incidentally while targeting tilefish, grouper, or other deep-water species. It is a salt water species, filed under offshore in the Fishdex.
Yes. Log one through the Cobia Camera and this entry fills in with your own photo, your personal best, and the conditions on the day you caught it. The app also carries the slot limits and season dates for wherever you are standing. It is free.
Tomorrow morning starts tonight
Set your home water, pick a drive radius, and wake up to a plan.
Android coming soon
iPhone, iOS 17 or later. Setup takes about a minute.