Description

Spotted Scat (Scatophagus argus) – Salt Acclimated

The Spotted Scat (Scatophagus argus) is a striking, intelligent, and highly adaptable fish that adds both visual appeal and natural utility to marine aquariums. With its shimmering silver-green body and distinctive black spots, this species is not only beautiful but also incredibly useful — especially as a natural predator of Aiptasia, the nuisance anemones that plague many reef systems.

Our salt-acclimated Spotted Scats are already conditioned for marine environments, making them an excellent addition to established saltwater aquariums and reef systems in need of effective Aiptasia control.

🌊 Overview
Native to estuaries and mangrove zones across the Indo-Pacific region, the Spotted Scat naturally thrives in brackish and coastal waters where salinity levels fluctuate. Over time, adults migrate into full marine conditions, where they perform an important ecological role by grazing on algae, detritus, and small invertebrates — including pest anemones like Aiptasia.

✨ Key Features & Benefits:

• ✔️ Effective Aiptasia Eater – Known for consuming pest anemones that overrun reef aquariums.

• ✔️ Salt Acclimated – Already conditioned for full marine life — no need for gradual adjustment.

• ✔️ Striking Appearance – Metallic silver-green body with bold black spots that deepen with maturity.

• ✔️ Hardy & Adaptable – Thrives in a wide range of salinities and aquarium conditions.

• ✔️ Peaceful Temperament – Ideal for community and FOWLR (fish-only with live rock) tanks.

• ✔️ Energetic Swimmer – Adds life and movement to the mid and lower zones of the tank.

🐠 Behaviour & Compatibility
The Spotted Scat is a peaceful and social schooling fish. It thrives when kept in small groups of three or more and spends much of its time exploring the tank, grazing on rock surfaces, and sifting through the substrate.

In marine setups, they are well-behaved community members, compatible with:

• Tangs and rabbitfish

• Monos and archerfish

• Larger gobies and wrasses

• Puffers (non-aggressive species)

• Damsels, chromis, and hawkfish

While generally reef-safe, note that scats may occasionally nip at soft corals or polyps — especially if underfed. In most cases, however, they focus on Aiptasia, algae, and detritus, making them a valuable addition for pest control in coral holding systems or live rock tanks.

🌿 Tank Requirements:

• Minimum Tank Size: 250 L (larger recommended for adults)

• Temperature: 24 – 28 °C

• pH: 8.0 – 8.4

• Salinity: 1.020 – 1.025 (fully marine)

• Aquascape: Open swimming areas with live rock and hiding spots

Provide ample swimming space and stable marine conditions for long-term health. Adults can reach up to 20–25 cm, so a spacious tank with strong filtration is essential.

🍽️ Feeding
Spotted Scats are omnivorous grazers with a broad diet that includes both plant and animal matter. In addition to consuming Aiptasia and algae, they readily accept:

• Marine flakes and pellets

• Spirulina or algae wafers

• Frozen mysis, brine shrimp, and marine mix

• Blanched vegetables such as spinach or zucchini

Feed 1–2 times daily, alternating between meaty and plant-based foods to maintain balance and vibrant colouration.

💧 Filtration & Maintenance
Because they are active feeders, Spotted Scats produce moderate waste. Use a high-quality protein skimmer and efficient biological filtration to maintain clean, oxygenated water. Perform regular water changes to prevent nitrate buildup.

⚠️ Care Notes:

• Provide a tight-fitting lid, as scats are capable jumpers.

• Ensure consistent salinity; avoid sudden shifts.

• Best kept in established tanks with stable biological balance.

✨ Why Choose a Salt-Acclimated Spotted Scat?

• Pre-conditioned for marine environments — ready to introduce immediately.

• Helps control Aiptasia naturally, reducing chemical or manual intervention.

• Hardy, social, and long-lived when cared for correctly.

• Adds beauty, activity, and biological balance to your aquarium.

🐟 Summary
The Spotted Scat (Scatophagus argus) is more than just an eye-catching addition to your aquarium — it’s a functional and natural Aiptasia solution. Peaceful, hardy, and easy to care for, this salt-acclimated species thrives in marine setups while contributing to a cleaner, healthier system. Perfect for aquarists seeking a striking fish with genuine purpose and personality.

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Disclaimer: Fish photos are of our own stock. Colours may appear different in other aquariums due to variations in lighting conditions. We do not edit or enhance our photos, but colours may also be influenced by your screen settings, such as brightness and contrast.

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