Spotted scat - Scatophagus argus
Scientific name: Scatophagus argus
Common name: Spotted scat
Family: Scatophagidae
Usual size in fish tanks: 25 - 30 cm (9.84 - 11.81 inch)
014
Recommended pH range for the species: 7.5 - 8.5
Recommended water hardness (dGH): 12 - 18°N (214.29 - 321.43ppm)
0°C 32°F30°C 86°F
Recommended temperature: 22 - 28 °C (71.6 - 82.4°F)
The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning
Where the species comes from: South Asia
Temperament to its own species: aggressive/territorial
Temperament toward other fish species: aggressive/territorial
Usual place in the tank: Middle levels
Origin
The Scat can be found in estuaries and streams where fresh and salt waters come together and they can even be found in completely marine areas. This fish can be found in coastal waters from Japan to Australia.
Lifespan
The lifespan of a Spotted scat can be relatively long if all of their needs are met. A well cared for species can live between 10 and 20 years.
Short Description
The Scat can be wild caught in both fresh and brackish bodies of water. Once in the fish stores, there is no way of telling whether your Scat came from fresh or brackish water. If your fish came from fresh water there is more of a chance of it surviving in the aquarium. Most specimens come from brackish or even salt water and are more particular about their water conditions.
They are usually found in two colour morphs, the Green Scat or the Red Scat (sometimes referred to as the Ruby Scat). These fish display wonderful markings when younger, their bodies are covered with dark spots and also into their finnage but as they mature these spots may also fade.
These fish are definitely not for beginners, they require freshwater as juveniles and then need to be acclimatised slowly to brackish conditions as they mature, this needs to be done in a controlled and patient manner. They are also classed as venomous as their small spines do contain a toxin that will cause pain to humans so always take care when keeping these fish.
Due to their adult size they will require a larger aquarium to care for them properly and an excellent filtration system is required as they are extremely high waste producers, regular water changes must also be performed to keep the quality high.
They will see smaller tank mates as a food source so only keep these fish with other fish of a similar size but they are not generally aggressive towards their tank mates.
Food
The Spotted scat is the true omnivore and will eat anything of meat or veggie substance. This fish will even eat fecal matter produced by other fish. The vegetable matter included in the diet should out weigh the meaty content, for meaty foods you can use brine shrimp, chopped earthworms or chopped prawns. Vegetable matter can be supplied by offering a quality flake food high in vegetable content, nori or even chopped spinach.
Sexing
There is no known method for sexing this species without harming them.
Breeding
Little is known about the breeding habits of the Scat fish but some believe that breeding takes place in salt water and the young migrate to brackish or freshwater.
Pictures
Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk.