Scatophagus argus, also known as the Spotted Scat, is a hardy, brackish water fish known for its distinctive spotted appearance and adaptability to a wide range of salinities.
Overview
Scatophagus argus, commonly known as the Spotted Scat or Argus Fish, is a popular brackish water species that is native to the coastal regions of the Indo-Pacific. These fish are well-known for their unique, rounded bodies covered in vibrant spots, and they can grow to a length of 30-38 cm. They are a highly adaptable species that can thrive in both brackish and marine environments.
With a lifespan of up to 15 years, Scatophagus argus is a hardy fish, but it requires a large tank due to its size and active nature. Its striking appearance and ease of care make it a common choice for aquarists who specialize in brackish water tanks.
Tank Requirements
Scatophagus argus thrives in large aquariums with a minimum capacity of 300 liters, as they grow large and are active swimmers. They prefer water temperatures between 24-28°C, with a pH range of 7.5-8.5 and general hardness (GH) between 10-20 dGH.
This species is typically kept in brackish water, though they can tolerate full marine conditions as they mature. When keeping them in a brackish setup, it’s important to gradually increase salinity as the fish grows. A mixture of saltwater and freshwater is necessary to replicate their natural habitat.
Decorating the tank with rocks, driftwood, and salt-tolerant plants can provide hiding spots and reduce stress for the fish. However, care must be taken when selecting plants, as Scats are known to nibble on vegetation.
Feeding and Diet
In the wild, Scatophagus argus is omnivorous, feeding on algae, detritus, and small invertebrates. In an aquarium, they will accept a variety of foods, including flakes, pellets, and live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and small crustaceans.
It is recommended to feed them a balanced diet with plant-based components to mimic their natural feeding habits. They may also eat algae growing in the tank, which can help keep the tank clean.
Care and Maintenance
Scatophagus argus is a relatively hardy species, but good water quality is essential for their health. Regular water changes of 20-30% per week are necessary to keep the tank clean and stable. Ensuring proper filtration and maintaining appropriate salinity levels is key to their well-being.
These fish can be sensitive to poor water conditions, especially if salinity levels fluctuate too rapidly, so it is important to monitor the water parameters closely. Their size and activity level also mean that they produce a fair amount of waste, requiring strong filtration.
Compatibility
Scatophagus argus is generally peaceful, though they may show aggression toward smaller fish, especially if kept in an overcrowded environment. They do best in tanks with other large, brackish water fish like monos, archerfish, or even certain species of larger marine fish.
Avoid keeping them with very small or delicate species, as they may nip at fins or bully them. They are also known to nibble on plants, so tank mates should be chosen accordingly.
Breeding
Breeding Scatophagus argus in captivity is rare due to the specific conditions required, including a transition to full marine water for spawning. In the wild, they migrate to the sea to breed, where eggs are released and fertilized. The fry are then carried by tides into brackish water.
Successfully replicating this in an aquarium is difficult, and there are few reports of successful captive breeding. Most Scats available in the aquarium trade are wild-caught or bred in specialized breeding facilities.