Green Tiger Scat

Species Profile

• Scientific Name: Scatophagus argus
• Common Name: Green Scat or Green Tiger Scat
• Adult Size: 30–38 cm (12–15 inches)
• Life Expectancy: 15–20 years (with proper care)
• Habitat: Found in estuaries, mangroves, and coastal regions of the Indo-Pacific, ranging from India to Australia. Juveniles are often in freshwater but migrate to brackish and marine as they age.

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons (475 liters)
  They are active swimmers and need space, especially in groups.
• Ideal Temperature: 24°C to 28°C (75°F to 82°F)
• pH Range: 7.5 to 8.5 (brackish to marine conditions)
• Water Hardness: 8–20 dGH
• Temperament: Generally peaceful but boisterous.
  Best kept in groups of 3 or more, can be housed with other large brackish or marine fish.

Diet & Nutrition

Omnivorous
Feed a varied diet including:

• Algae wafers
• Spirulina-based foods
• Frozen foods (brine shrimp, bloodworms)
• Chopped vegetables (zucchini, peas)

• Occasional meaty foods like krill

Note: Can eat plant leaves if underfed—feed well!

Breeding & Spawning

• Very rare in home aquariums
• Breeding typically occurs in the wild or commercial farms in full marine water
• Egg scatterers, planktonic larvae develop in the ocean

• No known successful captive breeding in freshwater or brackish setups

Appearance

Distinctive Features:

• Disc-shaped, compressed body
• Olive-green to brownish body with black tiger-like spots or blotches
• Iridescent shine under good lighting
• Long dorsal and anal fins with slight trailing edges

• Can change coloration slightly based on mood or water conditions