Fishician®Diet
Omnivore – pellets, flake, vegetables, algae, frozen foods; will eat almost anything including detritus
Aquarium species profile
Scat
Scatophagus argus · Indo-Pacific (coastal mangroves and estuaries — India to Australia)
Minimum tank75 gal
Adult size12"
Care levelModerate
TemperamentSemi-Aggressive
Temperature68–82°F
pH range7.5–8.5
Compatible tank mates
Mono Argentus, Archer Fish, larger brackish species
Tank mates to avoid
Freshwater-only species, small invertebrates, plants (will eat)
Care notes
Name means 'feces eater' — scavenges detritus in mangroves. Attractive spotted pattern. Juveniles can start in low-salinity brackish; adults prefer high brackish to marine. One of the hardier brackish fish. Will destroy plants — use artificial or very tough species. Good community fish with compatible species.
Check the whole aquarium. Tank size alone does not establish compatibility. Confirm adult size, water overlap, social grouping, territory, diet, and the individual animals before stocking.