Scatophagus argus – Spotted Scat
Name
Scientific name: Scatophagus argus; Common name: Spotted Scat
Synonyms
Scatophagus argus argus , Chaetodon argus, Ephippus argus, Chaetodon pairatalis, Chaetodon atromaculatus, Scatophagus bougainvillii, Scatophagus ornatus, Scatophagus purpurascens, Scatophagus maculatus, Scatophagus argus ocellata, Scatophagus aetatevarians, Scatophagus quadranus
Distribution
Indonesia, Philippines, South Africa, Indian Ocean
Description
The Spotted Scat is a large, laterally flattened fish with a rather square shape. The body is greenish-silver to copper-colored with irregular spots. The fins are rather short and colorless and it has a small, beak-like mouth with small teeth. The dorsal fin contains spines that contain a poisonous substance. There is no visible difference in sex.
Care
Scatophagus argus has a unique life cycle. It begins in the brackish waters of mangrove forests and transforms into a true sea fish during adulthood. This transition makes it challenging to keep these fish in captivity. When they are very young, they are often sold as freshwater fish. Until they reach about 6 centimeters in length, they can survive in a freshwater aquarium; however, to thrive, they must ultimately be raised in a brackish water environment.
As adults, Scatophagus argus can grow quite large and should ideally be kept in groups of about five to six specimens, making them less suitable for many home aquariums. While adult Scatophagus argus can survive in brackish water, the best option is to transfer them to a properly maintained sea aquarium as they mature.
Until then, it is important to ensure that the brackish water tank is large enough to accommodate these fish. They need hiding places, which can include plants (although they generally do not thrive in brackish water), stones, and wood. Dimming the lighting is also advisable to replicate the atmosphere of a mangrove forest. Ideally, these fish should be kept in a specialized tank, possibly alongside a group of silverleaf fish.
Length
30 cm.
Reproduction
Nothing is known about the captive breeding of the Scatophagus argus. The Argus fish probably lays eggs on a coral reef, after which the larvae migrate to the brackish areas of mangroves and river mouths.
Diet
These fish consume both animal and vegetable food. When they are young, they feed on mosquito larvae, and as they grow, they eat larger items such as mussels and shrimp. They have a reputation for being able to completely empty a planter, although they can sometimes exhibit better behavior. To keep them healthy, it’s important to provide a varied diet that includes live, frozen, and plant-based foods.
Water parameters
Temperature: 20 – 28°C
Hardheid: 16 – 20
pH: 7,5 – 8,5
Remarks
Although these fish can be challenging to care for, they are highly appealing to aquarists. They are relatively easy to tame and can even be fed by hand once accustomed to their owners. If the proper conditions are met, they can make wonderful pets that provide years of enjoyment. Unfortunately, they are often sold as freshwater fish, without clear mentions that they require brackish water for long-term health. As a result, many Argus fish do not survive past half their expected growth.
Unfortunately, I keep hearing that these fish are sold in aquarium shops to unsuspecting people as a solution to their algae problem it (doesn’t help, you have to eliminate the cause; see information on optimal plant growth) without mentioning that they:
1) grow large
2) need to be kept in brackish water
3) tend to start eating plants when the algae is gone if they are fed the wrong food.
It’s truly unfortunate because this fish deserves a special tank to thrive. Only in such an environment will the friendly argus fish display its full splendor. Additionally, there are various color varieties available in the market, and it’s uncertain whether they all belong to the same species.
Author
BiancaB
Copyright images
Keith – KDP Wilson (originele website niet meer online)