Scats

Scatophagus argus
(Linnaeus, 1766)

Spotted Scat

Likely Reef Tank Suitable

Likely Fish-Only Tank Suitable

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These fishes belong in the Order Perciformes and Suborder Acanthuroidei as members of the Family Scatophagidae (Scats) consisting of 1 genus, and 4 species.

Adults are normally found in wholly marine environments with juveniles only found in freshwater, whereas in-between sizes are found in brackish waters.

Feeds on a wide variety of foodstuffs, including copious amounts of vegetable matter.

Actually, 'Scatophagus' means 'dung eater' which came about because they were seen feeding on sewage. However, they are actually omnivores.

Can make a good addition to the reef aquarium, as they are not only good consumers of algae, they also consume Aiptasia anemones.