🐟 Green Scat (Scatophagus argus)
🐟 Green Scat (Scatophagus argus)
Algae & Detritus Control • Brackish-to-Marine Schooling Fish • Hardy Display Species
📋 The Green Scat (Scatophagus argus – green morph) is an attractive, large schooling fish with a green-bronze body shimmer, accented by dark spots and irregular blotches. This makes it distinct from the brighter Silver and Red Scat forms.
Juveniles are often kept in low-end brackish or freshwater, but for long-term success, adults require brackish-to-full marine water. Like other Scats, they are peaceful and best kept in groups of 4 or more for natural schooling behavior.
A hardy, long-lived fish, the Green Scat is an excellent choice for advanced aquarists who want an active and visually stunning species in their brackish or marine display tanks.
💡 Highlights
✨ Green-bronze sheen with dark spots – unique color form
⚪ Brackish-to-marine species – requires salinity as it matures
📏 Large schooling fish – up to 15" in length
✅ Hardy and long-lived – lives up to 20 years
🐠 Best kept in groups – thrives in schools of 4+
🧾 A Quick Look at the Green Scat
📛 Common Name: Green Scat / Spotted Scat (Green Form)
🔬 Scientific Name:Scatophagus argus (Green Morph)
👨👩👧 Family: Scatophagidae
🌍 Origin: Indo-Pacific estuaries (India, Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, Australia)
📏 Max Size: 30 – 38 cm (≈ 12 – 15")
💧 pH Range: 7.5 – 8.5
🌡️ Temperature Range: 24 – 28 °C (75 – 82 °F)
🧠 Care Level: Intermediate (requires brackish-to-marine care as adult)
💖 Temperament: Peaceful, active schooling fish
🪸 Reef Safe: Semi – may nip at soft corals/algae in marine tanks
🏠 Min Tank Size: 380 L (100 US gallons)
📌 Tank Level: Mid to top swimmer
🧬 Captive Bred:❌ No
🌿 Wild Caught:✅ Yes
⏳ Lifespan: 15 – 20 years
🍽️ Diet: Omnivore (algae, detritus, plant matter, invertebrates)
🐣 Reproduction: Not bred in aquariums; wild spawner
