Spotted Scat (Scatophagus argus)
The Spotted Scat or Scatophagus argus in Thailand inhabits coastal plains, harbours, mangroves and estuaries and is also widely distributed throughout the Indo Pacific region from Japan to Australia.
In Thailand the Spotted Scat can be found in estuarine environments such as the Maeklong River in Samut Songkran where it subsists on a herbivorous diet of zoo plankton in addition to possibly insects and larvae.
The Spotted Scat has a flat rounded body with large caudal, anal and tail fins with a silvery to green colouration which is covered in brown or red-brown spots.
This species occurs in two colour morphs known as green scat or ruby / red scat and has a tropical and exotic appearance.
The spotted Scat although an ornate looking fish must be handled with the utmost care due to spines in its anterior parts which inflict pain and dizziness.