Scat (Scatophagus argus)



Scientific Name: Scatophagus argus

Common Name(s): Scat, Green Scat, Red Scat, Ruby Scat, Spotted Scat, Argus Fish.

Origin: From freshwater rivers (when young) to the Costal brackish and salt water of Australia to Indonesia.

Family: Scatophagidae

Species Type: Scatophagus argus

Maximum Size: Up to 12 inches (30cm)

Life Span: Up to 20 years when well cared for.

Natural Habitat: The Scat can be found in coastal muddy areas including estuaries, mangroves, harbors and the lower courses of rivers.

Diet: Omnivore; The Scat is not a picky eater. The name Scatophagus means the "eater of feces" so feeding them will not be a problem. Anything of meat or veggie substance will be happily consumed. This fish will even eat fecal matter produced by other fish.

Comments: It has been reported that the dorsal fin's spines are mildly poisonous. Caution should be observed during tank maintenance. It is also reported that Java Ferns are toxic to this species.



Temperature: 70F - 84F (21C - 29C)

PH: 7.2 - 8.0

Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons

Tank Region: The Scat is a very active species. You will find them exploring every inch of their aquarium.

Temperament: Peaceful; A peaceful schooling species. When the Scat ages they may get territorial with it's own species and become predatory towards small fish.

Possible Tank Mates: They can be mixed with other active brackish water fish of similar size, but can nip fins of slow movers. Some tank mates may include: Monodactylus, Rainbowfish, Large Mollies, Bumble Bee Goby

Filtration and Setup: Large open swimming areas with mild lighting will be appreciated. Live plants should be avoided as this species is known to eat them, including Java Fern (which can be poisonous). Due to the feeding habits of this species, excellent filtration is needed as well as frequent gravel vacuuming. Water changes are a must as the young Scats will not tolerate high levels of nitrates. As they mature you will need to move them to a pure sea water tank, but this process can take many years.

Coloration: With transparent fins and large round black spots covering its compressed silver/green body, it's no wonder why the young Scats are a popular aquarium species. As the Scat matures it loses most of its popular color and the body tuns a dull silver with the large Black spots. When kept in salt water the colors tend to be brighter and more pronounced.

Sexing: There is no known method for sexing this species without causing harm to them.

Breeding: No successful, in captivity breeding has been reported.