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General information – Scatophagus argus is a bronze to brown-green color with dark green to black spots covering the entire body. As the scat matures, it takes on a humpback appearance and the spots on the body become darker. The Scat can be found in estuaries and streams where fresh and salt waters come together, and can even be found in completely marine areas. Scats can be found in coastal waters from Japan to Australia. A well cared Scat species can live between 10 and 20 years. There are more Scatophagus spices, called Scatophagus argus arromaculatus (Red Scat), Scatophagus multifasciatus (Silver Scat), and Scatophagus tetracanthus.
Common Name - Green Spotted Scat, Scat, Argusfish
Scientific Name - Scatophagus Argus
Family - Scatophagidae Photo by: Chief
Origin - Indo-Pacific.
Size – Reported up to 12 inches (30 cm), but usually quite a bit smaller in aquarium.
First discovered - Linnaeus, 1766
Nutrition – Omnivorous, Eats almost anything. Should be fed mainly vegetable-based foods with meaty foods offered on occasion. Feed dried seaweed, lettuce, algae, a quality flake food, and occasionally, brine shrimp, krill or mysis shrimp.
Behavior - Semi-aggressive towards its own kind, and is therefore best kept in a group of 5-6 or more, to spread out the aggression. Generally ok with other similar sized brackish fishes, such as Monos, Puffers and Archer's. Avoid keeping the Scats with delicate fish.
Maintenance and care – The Scat requires a fish tank of at least 60 gallons with plenty of plants and hiding places. Scats will require salt water as they grow. Young scats often raised in freshwater but they usually do better in brackish then saltwater tanks. Gradual change from brackish to saltwater will maximize the coloration and the health of the fish as it becomes older.
Water Parameters – Temperature: 73F-82F (23C-28C), PH: 7.5-8.5
Breeding - The differences between the sexes and their breeding habits are unknown, but breeding only likely to occur in heavy brackish or marine conditions. Profile by: Chief
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