Green Scat

Common name(s) Scat, Common/Spotted scat, Green scat, Red scat, Argusfish Scat, Scatophagus argus, juvenile
Juveniles
Scat, Scatophagus argus, semi-adult
Semi-adult
Photos © Sean Evans

Scientific name Scatophagus argus

Synonyms Chaetodon argus (not valid).

Size 12" (30cm), but usually smaller in aquaria.

Origin Indo-Pacific

Tank setup A large brackish tank (80 gallons plus advisable for a shoal of adults) with plenty of open swimming space. Branches, roots or bogwood can be used for decor, along with plastic plants if desired.

Compatibility Semi-aggressive towards its own kind, and is therefore best kept in a group of 5-6 or more to spread out the aggression. Generally ok with other similar sized brackish fishes such as Monos.

Temperature 23-28^oC (73-82^oF)

Water chemistry Maintain in brackish conditions. Juveniles are often sold in fresh or slightly salted water, but high-end brackish or marine conditions are preferable for adults.

Feeding Omnivorous, eats literally anything, so provide a varied diet including plenty of vegetable matter. Will eat live plants.

Sexing Unknown

Breeding Unknown, but only likely to occur in heavy brackish or marine conditions.

Comments
Two colour forms of this species occur, known as the Green and Red scat. The red scat has been known as Scatophagus argus atromaculatus and Scatophagus "rubrifrons", but it is not officially recognised as a separate species or subspecies.

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This website was last updated on 18th January 2008

Common name(s)	Scat, Common/Spotted scat, Green scat, Red scat, Argusfish	Juveniles Semi-adult `Photos © Sean Evans`
Scientific name	Scatophagus argus
Synonyms	Chaetodon argus (not valid).
Size	12" (30cm), but usually smaller in aquaria.
Origin	Indo-Pacific
Tank setup	A large brackish tank (80 gallons plus advisable for a shoal of adults) with plenty of open swimming space. Branches, roots or bogwood can be used for decor, along with plastic plants if desired.
Compatibility	Semi-aggressive towards its own kind, and is therefore best kept in a group of 5-6 or more to spread out the aggression. Generally ok with other similar sized brackish fishes such as Monos.
Temperature	23-28^oC (73-82^oF)
Water chemistry	Maintain in brackish conditions. Juveniles are often sold in fresh or slightly salted water, but high-end brackish or marine conditions are preferable for adults.
Feeding	Omnivorous, eats literally anything, so provide a varied diet including plenty of vegetable matter. Will eat live plants.
Sexing	Unknown
Breeding	Unknown, but only likely to occur in heavy brackish or marine conditions.
Comments	Two colour forms of this species occur, known as the Green and Red scat. The red scat has been known as Scatophagus argus atromaculatus and Scatophagus "rubrifrons", but it is not officially recognised as a separate species or subspecies.