🐟 Red Scat (Scatophagus argus rubifrons)
🐟 Red Scat (Scatophagus argus rubifrons)
Algae & Detritus Control • Brackish-to-Marine Schooling Fish • Hardy Display Species
📋 The Red Scat (Scatophagus argus – red morph) is a bold, colorful variant of the common Silver Scat. Its copper-red body, speckled with dark spots, makes it an eye-catching addition to large brackish aquariums.
Juveniles may be kept in low-end brackish or freshwater, but adults require brackish-to-full marine water for long-term health. Like their silver relatives, they are schooling fish and should be kept in groups of 4 or more.
Highly active, hardy, and long-lived, the Red Scat is ideal for experienced aquarists who want a colorful, showpiece schooling fish in their display tank.
💡 Highlights
✨ Copper-red body with spots – striking coloration
⚪ Brackish-to-marine species – requires salinity as it matures
📏 Grows up to 15" – needs very large aquariums
✅ Hardy and long-lived – lives 15–20 years
🐠 Peaceful schooling fish – thrives in groups of 4+
🧾 A Quick Look at the Red Scat
📛 Common Name: Red Scat / Ruby Scat / Spotted Scat (Red Form)
🔬 Scientific Name: Scatophagus argus (Red Morph)
👨👩👧 Family: Scatophagidae
🌍 Origin: Indo-Pacific estuaries (India, Thailand, 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 conditions)
💖 Temperament: Peaceful, active schooling fish
🪸 Reef Safe: Semi – may nip at 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, veggies, small invertebrates)
🐣 Reproduction: Not bred in captivity; spawns in the wild
