Scatophagus argus

(Linnaeus, 1766)

Spotted Scat

Range: Indo-West Pacific Ocean: Kuwait to Fiji, north to Southern Japan, and south to New Caledonia.

Size: 14 inches (35 cm)

Natural Environment: Inhabits coastal estuaries and river entrances, including brackish water and mangroves and usually found at depths between 3 to 15 feet (1 - 5 m) where it feeds on worms, crustaceans, insects and plant matter.

General Husbandry: Occasionally seen in the trade, having an angelfish/butterflyfish shaped body, and usually silvery with large brown spots, yet coloration depends upon areas of collection, its disposition, and maturity.

Best maintained in well-established fish-only or reef aquariums with wide-open swimming areas, and preferably containing large amounts of algae growth.

Even though technically an omnivore, they are excellent herbivores and require a large amount of vegetable matter in their diet. In fact, they are one of the better hair alga consumers. Requires a varied diet made up of meaty and vegetable matter, especially some Spirulina flake and some nori (dried seaweed/kelp). Should receive at least several feedings per day.

Taxonomy:

Order: Perciformes

Suborder: Acanthuroidei

Family: Scatophagidae

Genus: Scatophagus

FYI: It is believed by Philippine fishers to have a venomous dorsal, anal and pelvic fin; therefore caution is advised when handling this species.

Easy to feed, quite active, none aggressive, and resistant to poor water quality.

Used in Chinese medicine.

Can be maintained in brackish water if desired - 2 teaspoons salt per gallon of water (1.015), however, its recommended they be maintained in normal marine aquarium values of 1.024-5.

Experience Level: Intermediate

Temperament: Peaceful

Diet: Omnivore/herbivore

Coral Safe: Yes

Fish Safe: Yes

Invertebrate Safe: With caution

Acclimation Time: 30 minutes+

Aquarium Environment: Reef or fish-only aquarium

Tankmates: Peaceful

Minimum Tank Size: 150 gallons

Temperature Range: 68 - 82°F (20 - 27°C)

Specific Gravity: 1.020 - 1.025

pH: 7.8 - 8.3