Aquarium Life for Scatophagus (Spotted Scat)

The Scat also called by the scientific name Scatophagus is a happy go lucky charmer. After owning one for a time, you'll find them to be quite attentive and they will seek out your company. Let's look at aquarium conditions and requirements for the daily life of a Scat.

The Scat goes by several different names. You may find information listed under Scatophagus argus, Scats, Scat fish and Spotted Scat. The Spotted Scat comes in two varieties, which are the Green Scat and the Red Scat. Both are handsome and intriguing fish to own. These personable fish both come with large black spots and are known to get as large as ten inches across, although most only reach five inches or so in captivity.

The body structure is square shaped and flat in comparison to other tropical fish. Scats have a lateral line, which runs parallel to the ridge line of their dorsal fin with somewhat of a small sized head. The dorsal fin contains a hard ray, which can cause mild pain if they inflict your hand with a barb.

Green Scats are a shiny silver-green color. Red Scats also have a shiny silver cast, but with a red tone giving them the Red Scat name. Colors on Scats tend to fade, as they get older. They intensify when a Scat is upset or surprised. Some people believe Scat colors become more profound if they are kept in saltwater conditions as compared to freshwater aquariums.

If you are interested in introducing one or more Scats into your aquarium, it's a good idea to get them while they are young. Most Aquarium shops stock them at a young age and they are usually about one inch in diameter. Purchasing young Scats offers you several advantages. They adjust well to aquarium conditions when younger. The larger the Scat the more expensive it is.

It's easier for other types of tropical fish in an aquarium to adjust to a smaller Scat than a larger size. Scats are more expensive to purchase in comparison to Black Mollies, Guppies or Swordtails. Prices vary by aquarium shops of course, but you might be able to pick up a young Scat for about $9 to $12 dollars.

As you learn about the Spotted Scat, you will find information that does not agree with how they should be raised. For the most part, you'll have to use your best judgment. Study your new Scat and make changes slowly a bit at a time watching for reactions. Check with the retailer when purchasing to determine if it has been kept in freshwater, brackish or saltwater conditions so you can duplicate these conditions.

We had a Green Scat of our own and cannot speak highly enough about him. He was a great addition to our 55-gallon aquarium. Our Scat was raised from an inch in size with Black Mollies, Tetras, Swordtails, Monos, African Dwarf frogs, Guppies, Angel Fish, snails and live aquatic plants. Large rocks and live plants provided necessary hiding places for a sense of security. They will nibble live plants, but not to excess.

The genus name Scatophagus translates to "eater of feces." They are omnivorous, which means they will eat just about anything. Feed them frozen, flake or live food. It is advisable to raise them in a large aquarium of 55 gallons on up. Many Scats will do fine in freshwater aquariums yet some people believe they need brackish or saltwater aquariums, as they get older.

Ours lived his entire life (five years) in freshwater. Water temperatures should be kept between 68°F and 82°F. It's not possible to determine sex on a Spotted Scat nor can they be bred in captivity. The next time you're in an aquarium shop take a closer look at the Spotted Scats (Scatophagus) and you just might find yourself bringing home a new aquarium friend.