Pi292 Scatophagus argues (Spotted scat, Butterfish)
Pi292 Scatophagus argues (Spotted scat, Butterfish)
Phylum:
Chordata
Class:
Actinopterygii
Family:
Scatophagidae
Genus:
Scatophagus
Species:
S. argues
Description:
It occurs in two basic colour morphs which are called green scat and ruby or red scat. This fish is generally distributed around the Indo-Pacific region, to Japan, New Guinea, and South Eastern Australia. They live in coastal muddy areas, including estuaries, mangroves, harbours, and the lower courses of rivers. They are popular aquarium fish. Scatophagus argus has a body which is rectangular and strongly compressed with the head having a steep dorsal profile. It has a moderately large eye which has a diameter noticeably smaller than the length of the rounded, snout. They have a small, horizontal mouth which is not protractile. There are a number of rows of small bristle like teeth in the jaws. The dorsal fin has 10-11 spines and 16-18 soft rays, while the anal fin has 4 spines and 13-15 soft rays. Spines and rays of the dorsal fin are separated by a deep notch and the first spine in the dorsal fin lies flat.
IUCN Status:
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