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General information – Scatophagus multifasciatus's sides are silver and the field of the body is marked with large round Black spots. 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 (Green Scat), Scatophagus Argus arromaculatus (Red Scat), and Scatophagus tetracanthus. Common Name - Silver Scat, Spotbanded Scat, Scat, Argusfish.
Scientific Name - Scatophagus Multifasciatus Photo by: nirsh
Family - Scatophagidae
Origin - Indo-Pacific
Size – Reported up to 12 inches (30 cm), but usually quite a bit smaller in aquaria.
First discovered - (Gronow, 1854)
Nutrition – Omnivorous, Eats litterly 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 mysis shrimp and brine 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 an aquarium 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. Profily by: Chief
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