Green Scat (Scatophagus argus)

From The Aquarium Wiki

Contents 1 Alternative names 1.1 Synonyms 2 Sexing 3 Origin 4 Tank compatibility 5 Diet 6 Feeding regime 7 Environment Specifics 8 Behaviour 9 Identification 10 Pictures 11 References 12 External links

Alternative names

Scat, Green Scat, Spotted Scat

Synonyms

Scatophagus argus argus

Sexing

It is not possible to visually sex this fish.

Origin

Found in brackish to marine waters around Kuwait to Fiji, north to southern Japan, south to New Caledonia. Also reported from Samoa, Tonga, and the Society Islands.^[1]

Tank compatibility

Good brackish community fish, but grows large and should not be kept with smaller species. Can be aggressive so should only be kept with similar-sized robust tank mates who prefer similar water chemistry.

Diet

Will eat most foods including pellet and flake. Provide a varied diet, to include some vegetable matter such as blanched vegetables and spirulina.

Feeding regime

Feed often, every day, either once or twice a day.

Environment Specifics

These fish are brackish and should be kept at a SG of at least 1.010; adults can live in marine water. When they are young they will tolerate relatively low salinity, this salinity needs to increase as they mature. Their tank should be large and well filtered as well as providing plenty of open swimming space. Sturdy hiding places are preferable also.

Behaviour

A fairly active, shoaling species with a greedy appetite.

Identification

Compressed vertically, with a high back in adults. Many spotted markings on the fish, sometimes forming stripes, especially in younger specimens. There is a doubtful subspecies, being S. argus rubrifrons, which only slightly varies in colouration.

Pictures

References

1. ↑ Fishbase (Mirrors: ) Distribution

External links

• Fishbase (Mirrors: )

• Fishforums.net
• The Tropical Tank
• Badmans Tropical Fish
• Aqua Hobby
• Fish Profiles
• Mongabay