All fish / Scatophagidae

African Scat

Scatophagus tetracanthus

Also known as african scat, tiger scat, four-spined scat, striped scat, african butterfish, アフリカン・スキャット, 非洲金鼓, 四棘金钱鱼

This is a deep-bodied, almost disc-shaped scat with a silvery body crossed by bold dark vertical bars, which on young fish often sit over a yellowish or orange flush. It is less common in the trade than the spotted scat and is kept by brackish-water fans for its striking banding, active shoaling and hardy, greedy nature.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

15 cm

Temperature

22 to 28 °C

pH

7.5 to 8.5

Smallest tank

400 litres

Keep as

Group of 4 or more

Diet

Omnivore: lots of vegetable matter such as spirulina flakes, blanched greens and algae wafers, plus frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp and pellets

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

10 to 15 years

Water

Brackish

Wild range

East Africa coasts and estuaries, from Kenya to South Africa, plus Madagascar and some rivers and lakes

Breeding

It has not been reliably bred in aquariums. In the wild adults spawn in coastal waters, and the young pass through a plated larval stage before moving into estuaries and rivers.

Good to know

Although young fish are sold as freshwater fish, adults need brackish water and do best when the salt level rises as they grow, so a large tank is needed. Like other scats, its fin spines are venomous and can give a painful sting when the fish is handled.