Red Scat - Scatophagus argus 'rubrifons' - Small

The Red Scat is an uncommon color variation of the common Green Scat. The Red Scat has a reddish tint to the upper half of its body, a silvery underside and is covered with black spots. The body shape itself is somewhere between a square and an oval with a pointed mouth.

Though young Scats can be found in brackish water areas such as estuaries, adults live primarily in the ocean, and should be kept in salt water when they begin to reach maturity.

Scats are large, relatively peaceful fish that can be kept with most large community species. Due to their large size, scats should not be kept with small tank mates that can be easily eaten.

Scats are a schooling fish, and should be kept in a tank large enough to support four to six adult Scats. In small tanks, Scats may become aggressive with other Scats, so make sure the tank is large enough to prevent competition between fish. Feed this fish a mixture of flake, pellet, and meaty frozen foods.

Scats have mildly venomous dorsal spines. A small venom gland is located at the base of each spine and while the venom is relatively mild, it can still be quite painful. Use caution when handling Scats.