The Spotted Scat (Scatophagus argus) is a marine (saltwater) fish in the Scatophagidae family of scats. It is also called the Red Scat, the Ruby Scat, the Green Scat, Tiger Butterfish, or Tiger Scat.
The Spotted Scat is varied in colour from greenish brown to red-brown to silver, with many brown spots. It is rounded in shape and laterally compressed. It has a rounded snout (nose).
It grows to about 33 centimetres (13 inches) in length.
It is found in the waters of the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, around Japan, Papua New Guinea, and Australia. It can also adapt to freshwater rivers. It prefers coastal muddy waters, such as estuaries, mangroves, and harbours.
The Spotted Scat is omnivorous, feeding on plants, worms, crabs, and small fish.
Location of photographs: Aquarium de Paris-Cinéaqua, France
Photographer: Martina Nicolls
Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM