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Size
8 inches (20 cm) -
Diet
Insect larvae, plant matter, worms, and crustaceans -
Range
Indo Pacific -
Habitat
Harbors, bays, lower reaches of freshwater streams, mangroves
Physical Characteristics
- The spotted scat is strongly compressed laterally and square-shaped.
- The body is pale and silvery, displaying numerous dark spots. A dark line runs vertically through the eye.
- Fins are transparent, sometimes edged in black.
- Has venomous dorsal spines.
- This species grows to a maximum length of 14.9 inches (38 cm), though lengths closer to 8 inches (20 cm) are more common.
Animal Fact
The spotted scat has venomous dorsal spines.
Diet / Feeding
- Feeds on plant matter, as well as insect larvae, worms and crustaceans.
Range / Habitat
- Occurs in marine, brackish and freshwater areas of the Indo-Pacific from Kuwait to Fiji, Japan and New Caledonia.
- Found in harbors, bays and the lower reaches of freshwater streams, commonly among mangroves.
- Found at depths of about 13 feet (4 m).
Reproduction & Growth
- Oviparous- egg-laying species.
Conservation Status
- “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List.
Additional Information
- Across its range, this fish is harvested for food, traditional medicines, and the aquarium trade.
