Species Profile
Spotted Scat
Scatophagus argus
Also known as: Argusfish, Spotted Butterfish
Oddballspeaceful
Adult size
14″
Minimum tank
125 gal
Temperature
75–82°F
pH
7.8–8.5
Schooling
Group of 4+
Water level
mid
Grows from juvenile
Typically sold at ~2.5″ and reaches 14″ over ~2 years. Plan tank size for the adult, not the fish at purchase.Diet
Veggie flake, marine pellets, blanched spinach, frozen krill, needs heavy plant matter
Notes
Coin-shaped silvery body with dark spots, tall sail-like dorsal. Juveniles brackish, adults marine, plan for a big saltwater conversion at 4–5 years. Peaceful schooler; venomous dorsal spines mean careful handling but no real risk to tankmates.
Compatible Tankmates
Best tank mates for Spotted Scat
Every species below passes the compatibility engine when paired with Spotted Scatin a suitably sized tank. Verdicts come from the same rules the builder uses — click a card to see that species' own care profile and its tank mates in turn.
Figure 8 Puffer
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Green Spotted Puffer
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Knight Goby
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Violet Goby
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Atlantic Mudskipper
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Banded Archerfish
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Colombian Shark Catfish
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Orange Chromide
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Green Chromide
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Mono Sebae
GoodCompatible in a suitable tank (≥125gal). Watch schooling numbers and stocking density.
Silver Mono
GoodCompatible in a suitable tank (≥125gal). Watch schooling numbers and stocking density.
Photo: Karelj / Wikimedia Commons · Source · Public domain