[2] Other distinctive features of this fish include the large fangs, rough scales, two pairs of finlets, and a uniformly brown coloration.

[4] Oilfish are distributed throughout tropical and temperate waters across the world, being recorded in the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific oceans, including the Mediterranean Sea.

[4][5] 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.

While rarely sold at market due to its laxative effects, Oilfish is well known among fishmongers and fishermen, and goes by the name Xoba in Praia and Cagazeite, which means "shit out oil" in São Vicente.

[8][9] As a result of the incident, the Centre for Food Safety in Hong Kong published new guidelines on the proper labelling of Oilfish and Escolar to consumers, preventing mislabeling.