ScatSelF

FAQs on Scats, Family Scatophagidae, Selection

Keeping Scats; stkg. 11/20/14
While I'm here, I might as well ask: when I'm ready to get more scats, would it be reasonable to get two baby scats and raise them together, or will they grow to bully each other?
<They can be a bit hard on each other. Easiest kept as a singleton with no aggressive tankmates (Sailfin Mollies work well) or in odd numbered groups (i.e., 3 or more). Can also mix extremely well with Monos, the two species bringing out the best in each other while diffusing tensions within each species' group as well. Bob's written an excellent review, here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/scatart.htm
Scats are normally incredibly hardy and rarely get sick, except for Lymphocystis, a chronic rather than lethal problem that eventually goes away by itself. It's basically a viral wart, and while scientists have
studied this disease for a long time, what triggers it is somewhat unclear.
Environment and diet are probably relevant. Otherwise success with Scats is virtually assured if the tank is big enough, has very robust filtration, plenty of oxygen, high carbonate hardness and pH, and perhaps the use of a
protein skimmer to help keep nitrates low (by removing organics from the water before they break down). The Silver Scat is my particular favourite, as pretty a fish as any in the hobby. If it cost $200 a piece, it'd be much
more talked about, I'm sure! But it's cheap, brackish, and "just a Scat" so barely on the fishkeeping radar. Go figure. Scatophagus tetracanthus on the other hand is very rare and very expensive! But boy, is it handsome.
Cheers, Neale.>

Scats Hello, Could you tell me the best place to order green scats? Thank you very much. Jonathan <Actually, I would buy them from a local dealer who got them in for you, held them for about a week... to assure their health. Bob Fenner> Jonathan

Green scats not Down Under 10/2/06 G'day there, <And to you> In regards to the green scat (Scatophagus argus). I work with one of the largest tropical fish importers in the southern hemisphere and everyone I ask about the green scat nobody has heard of them. <Is the same species (currently): See here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/Scatart.htm and fishbase.org... different distribution... more or less a geographical "race"> I have done a lot of research on this fine specimen and nobody can tell me anything. I am from Australia and the red scat or ruby scat are very common same as the silver scat, I have over half a dozen of the red scats in a 200 gallon or 700 litre tank along with the same amount of mono argents. A lot of websites I have been on, tell me the green scat is exactly the same as the red or ruby just a different morph. If this is so I am curious why they are not sold in Australia? <Mmm, my guess is that it's just more money, paperwork to import...> Is this because they are illegal, rare or any other reason am not sure of? I have been after these for quite some time. As far as I know they are not illegal, but would like to know as much about them as I can. Some people also call them spotted scats. Thank you kind regards Jared. <Could check with "the boss" there at the store, who orders livestock. Bob Fenner>
Re: green scats not down under 10/4/06 I spoke to the big guns of quarantine, and it took them a little while to get back to me with no different info than I already knew. That the green or red scats (Scatophagus argus) are the same species, <Yep> and they find it weird that they have never been on our market. <Mmm, have seen very nice reddish ones in Australia... and collected Green ones in/near sewage outfalls in parts of S.E. Asia... (keep your snorkel in your mouth!)... but do think the physical separation, cost might be about it> Considering they are a native fish, and are guessing there not illegal here. I will continue to find out more about them, but want to thank you for getting back to me. Yours sincerely Jared Ridley <Thank you. Bob Fenner>

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