Red Tiger Scat

Species Profile

• Scientific Name: Scatophagus rubrifrons
• Common Name: Red Tiger Scat
• Adult Size: 20–25 cm (8–10 inches)
• Life Expectancy: 15–20 years with proper care
• Habitat: Native to Southeast Asia, especially around Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, found in estuaries, mangroves, and coastal brackish to marine waters. Juveniles may tolerate freshwater but require brackish as they grow.

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 100 gallons (375 liters)
  Needs space to swim and should be kept in small groups.
• Ideal Temperature: 24°C to 28°C (75°F to 82°F)
• pH Range: 7.5 to 8.5
• Water Hardness: 8–20 dGH
• Temperament: Peaceful to semi-aggressive
  Can be kept with other brackish fish like Monos, Archerfish, and larger Gobies. Best in groups of 3 or more to reduce aggression.

Diet & Nutrition

Omnivorous with herbivorous preference

• Algae wafers, spirulina pellets
• Vegetables (zucchini, spinach, lettuce, peas)
• Frozen foods (brine shrimp, bloodworms)

• Flake or pellet foods. Avoid overfeeding high-protein foods to prevent bloating.

Breeding & Spawning

• Extremely rare in captivity
• In the wild, they breed in full saltwater conditions
• Egg scatterers, with planktonic larvae

• No reliable captive breeding reports in home aquaria

Appearance

Distinctive Features:

• Bright reddish-orange body with dark tiger-like vertical stripes or blotches
• Disc-shaped, laterally compressed body
• Transparent to reddish fins
• Juveniles are more vibrant; coloration may dull slightly with age

• Body color can change based on mood and water conditions