HomeFreshwater aquarium fishPuffers, gobies & brackish fishSpotted scat Spotted scat (Scatophagus argus) Scientific name: Scatophagus argus Linnaeus, 1766 The Spotted scat (Scatophagus argus) is a freshwater fish of the family Scatophagidae that grows to about 30 cm (12 in). It is easy to keep and peaceful, suits community aquariums and needs a tank of at least 210 L (55 US gal), water at 20–28°C (68–82°F) and a pH of 7.5–8.5. Native range: Indo-Pacific, Pacific and Indian oceans, Philippines and Indonesia. Spotted scat care at a glanceCare levelEasyTemperamentPeacefulCommunity tankGoodAdult size30 cm (12 in)Minimum tank210 L (55 US gal)Temperature20–28°C (68–82°F)pH7.5–8.5DietOmnivore BiologyInhabit 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.Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Species factsScientific nameScatophagus argusFamilyScatophagidae (Scats)OrderPerciformes (Perch-like fish)ClassActinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)Maximum length38.0Common length20.0Depth range1–4 m (3–13 ft)EnvironmentMarine; freshwater; brackish; reef-associated; amphidromous; depth range 1 - 4 mClimateTropicalDistributionIndo-Pacific: Kuwait to Fiji, north to southern Japan, south to New Caledonia. Reported from Samoa, Tonga, and the Society Islands.Conservation status (IUCN)Least Concern (LC)Threat to humansVenomousUsesFisheries: minor commercial; aquaculture: commercial; aquarium: commercialResilienceHigh, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.) More puffers, gobies & brackish fishViolet gobyGobioides broussonnetiiAmazon pufferColomesus asellusMalabar pufferfishCarinotetraodon travancoricusStigmatogobius sadanundioGlobe fishTetraodon lineatusRhinogobius duospilusSee all puffers, gobies & brackish fish Can it live with...?Spotted scat and Atlantic mudskipperSpotted scat and Banded archerfishSpotted scat and Eyespot pufferfishSpotted scat and Globe fishSpotted scat and Indian glassy fishSpotted scat and Malabar pufferfishSpotted scat and Northern trout gudgeonSpotted scat and Peacock gudgeonSpotted scat and Silver moonySpotted scat and Violet goby SourcesTaxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Aquarium care parameters compiled, checked and converted to metric and imperial units by Guppies.za.net.Last updated 28 September 2026