Source: Wikimedia Commons
Spotted Scat
IntermediateScatophagus argus
A brackish fish with a squarish, strongly compressed body covered in round brown blotches, found through mangroves and estuaries of the Indo-Pacific. It eats plenty of plant matter and comes in green and red morphs. The dorsal spines are venomous.
Difficulty
Intermediate
Temperature
22〜28℃
Lifespan
5-8 years
Size
20-38cm
Diet
Prepared foods with vegetable content, marine algae, frozen foods
About
Scatophagus argus is a scatophagid ranging from the Persian Gulf along the south Asian coast into the western Pacific, north to Japan and south to New South Wales. FishBase records 45cm total length with 20cm as a common size, while other accounts give a maximum of 38cm. The squarish, strongly compressed body is covered in round brown blotches; juveniles are greenish brown with five or six dark bars. It lives in shallow coastal habitats such as estuaries, mangroves, harbours and the lower courses of rivers. Two colour morphs exist, the green scat and the red or ruby scat. LiveAquaria gives 22-28C, pH 7.5-8.5, 8-12dKH and a 473 litre minimum. It is an omnivore with a strong vegetable requirement, so algae-based foods must be part of the diet. The dorsal spines are venomous, and FishBase lists the species as venomous.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Lifespan of the Spotted Scat
The Spotted Scat lives 5-8 years.
Size of the Spotted Scat
The Spotted Scat grows to 20-38cm.
Temperature & humidity for the Spotted Scat
The ideal temperature for the Spotted Scat is 22〜28℃.
Basic Info
Origin
Indo-Pacific (Persian Gulf to Japan and southeastern Australia)
Lifespan
5-8 years
Care Specifications
- pH
- 7.5–8.5
- Carbonate (KH)
- 8–12 dKH
- Water Temp.
- 22–28℃
- Min. Tank
- 473 L
Semi-aggressive
Sources: FishBase / LiveAquaria
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not CITES-listedIUCN LC · Least Concern
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / IUCN Red List
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Spotted Scat Listings
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