African Scat

Geographic Origin and Biotope: East African coasts (Somalia down to South Africa). Replaces the argus in the African region, dominating muddy estuaries, brackish bays and tidal rivers.

Taxonomy and Morphology: African Scat / Tiger Scat (Scatophagus tetracanthus). Rarer in the trade. It has the same robust and square morphology as its "cousin" argus, with a spiny back, but differs in its distinctive pattern.

Social Behavior: Voracious patroller. They live in thick dynamic schools that patrol the bottoms and roots in search of debris. They interact exceptionally with those who feed them (pet-fish).

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Tiger Coat. Instead of polka dots, it features a beautiful lattice of thick vertical and sinuous black bars (tiger style) on a golden or bronze background. It maintains this marked pattern much better than the argus even in adulthood.

Aquarium Setup: Brackish Monster Tank (150 cm / 60 inches or more). Very hard alkaline water essential (Marine salt necessary). Emerging roots (mangrove style), zero plants (they are destroyed), sandy substrate. Powerful water flow.

Diet and Feeding: Insatiable Scavenger. Readily eats large amounts of blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach) as well as larvae, earthworms, shrimp, pellets and any filamentous algae it finds on the rocks.

Water Quality: Titanic Filtration (Heavy duty). As 30 cm (12 inch) fish that eat for ten, they produce immense waste. Marine skimmer recommended if kept at high densities (from 1.012 to 1.020).

Compatibility and Tankmates: Robust and overbearing. Perfect with Scatophagus argus, Monodactylus, and brackish water triggerfish. In the presence of weak fish, their feeding frenzy will leave them starving.

Aquarium Reproduction: Totally impossible in a home aquarium. Reproductive and migratory sea-river cycle never completed in closed spaces.

Risks and Diseases: Defensive Spines. The spines of the dorsal fin are extremely hard, sharp and equipped with a very painful toxin, similar to the sting of a large hymenopteran. Never catch them with hands or soft nets.