Spotted scat (Scatophagus argus) fish species and information / pictures of Spotted scat - Scatophagus argus

Spotted scat (Scatophagus argus) fish species information

Scientific Name
Scatophagus argus

Common Name
Spotted scat

Biology
Inhabit harbors, natural embayments, brackish estuaries and the lower reaches of freshwater streams, frequently occurring among mangroves. Feed on worms, crustaceans, insects and plant matter. The dorsal, anal and pelvic spines are believed by Philippine fishers to be venomous and capable of inflicting wounds. Used in Chinese medicine. In Hong Kong live fish markets. Marketed as fresh.

Classification

Classified By
Linnaeus, 1766
Class
Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)
Order
Perch-like fish (Perciformes)
Family
Scats (Scatophagidae)

Distribution

Region
Indo-Pacific
Distribution
Indo-Pacific: Kuwait to Fiji, north to southern Japan, south to New Caledonia. Reported from Samoa , Tonga , and the Society Islands.
Range
32°N - 23°S

Environment

Climate
Tropical
Water Temperature From
20 °C
Water Temperature To
28 °C
Depth From - meters
1 m
Depth To - meters
4 m
Zone
reef-associated
Environment
Marine; freshwater; brackish; reef-associated; amphidromous ; depth range 1 - 4 m
Trophic Level
2.99 s.e. 0.35 Based on food items.
Occurs in Marine / Salt water
True
Occurs in Brackish water
True
Occurs in Fresh Water
True
Occurs on Reefs
True
Is kept in Aquariums
True

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length
38.0 cm
Common Length
20.0 cm
Phylogenetic Diversity Index
PD50 = 0.8125 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses
Fisheries: minor commercial; aquaculture: commercial; aquarium: commercial
Vulnerability
Low vulnerability (18 of 100)
Resilience
High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)
Threat To Humans
Venomous (Ref. 6565)
IUCN Red List Status
Least Concern (LC)