Common name: argustfish
General information
The Spotted Scat, scientifically known as Scatophagus argus, is a unique and interesting species popular among brackish water aquarium enthusiasts. This species is known for its distinctive body shape and beautiful spotted pattern. The name 'Scatophagus' translates to 'eater of filth,' referring to the fish's diet in the wild, which includes detritus and other organic waste.
Details
- Recommended minimum volume
- 200 liter (53 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.005 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 22 to 28 °C (72 to 82 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8 to 8.4
- Average size
- 35 cm (1′2″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Adaptable but prefers brackish water
- Diet
- Omnivore Varied diet; accepts flakes & veggies
- Social
- School Best in groups, can be territorial
- Reefsafe
- No May nip at corals and inverts
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive Territorial; may bully smaller fish
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyScatsScatophagidae
- GenusScatsScatophagus
- SpeciesargustfishScatophagus argus (Linnaeus, 1766)
- SynonymsCacodoxus argus (Linnaeus, 1766)Chaetodon argus Linnaeus, 1766Chaetodon atromaculatus Bennett, 1830Chaetodon pairatalis Hamilton, 1822Ephippus argus (Linnaeus, 1766)Sargus maculatus Gronow, 1854Scatophagus aetatevarians De Vis, 1884Scatophagus argus atromaculatus (Bennett, 1830)Scatophagus argus ocellata Klunzinger, 1880Scatophagus bougainvillii Cuvier, 1831Scatophagus maculatus Gronow, 1854Scatophagus ornatus Cuvier, 1831Scatophagus purpurascens Cuvier, 1831Scatophagus quadranus De Vis, 1882Scatophagus quadratus De Vis, 1882
Care
Spotted Scats require a spacious aquarium with a mix of fresh and saltwater, known as brackish water, to thrive. They are tolerant of a range of water conditions but prefer a stable environment with well-filtered water. These fish are omnivorous and will accept a variety of foods, including vegetables, but they should be fed a balanced diet to maintain their health and coloration.
Reproduction
In the wild, Spotted Scats reproduce by scattering their eggs in open water. However, breeding them in captivity can be challenging due to their need for precise brackish water conditions. If successful, the larvae require special care and appropriate food, such as infusoria or finely crushed flake food, to survive.
Habitat
Scatophagus argus is commonly found in coastal areas, estuaries, and mangroves where fresh and saltwater mix. They can adapt to a wide range of salinities, which makes them suitable for brackish water aquariums. In their natural habitat, they often form schools and are known to venture into pure marine environments as adults.