Care
This striking-looking species with its jet black lips and beautifully patterned body is often sold as a brackish water fish, but as it matures, it will require more saline waters, leading up to full marine conditions when adult. For best results use a trusted synthetic marine sea salt and a hydrometer or refractometer to monitor the conditions. The aquarium itself must be of spacious dimensions for these active, fast swimmers, and although small juveniles can be started off in a 4ft long tank, these fish grow quickly and the sizeable adults are going to require a tank measuring around 8ft x 2ft x 2ft. In the wild, Silver Scats are regularly found in small congregations amidst coastal estuaries, river entrances and rock pools. As a species that tends to be semi-aggressive towards one other, it is best to keep them in groups of 6 or more specimens. This not only replicates a natural sized group, but it also usually ensures that no single fish bears the continuous brunt of any belligerent behaviour. The entire group should be introduced simultaneously - monitor the water quality carefully - as newcomers (particularly smaller specimens) are often not accepted. The tank should be aquascaped to include some shadier areas amongst large bogwood pieces and slate stood up at the back of the aquarium, along with resin "root" ornaments. If plants are desired, it is best to use plastic or silk examples, as most things green and leafy are regarded as a snack. A decent amount of filtration should be employed and areas of fast water movement created in the aquarium via additional powerheads. This will also help to keep O2 levels high. Sensitive to pollutants, the aquarium water should be kept in excellent condition at all times with frequent partial water changes. Take care when carrying out maintenance on the aquarium or when transferring these fish to a new tank as they possess poisonous dorsal spines. Archer fish, Monodactylus, Spotted Scats and Green Chromides make great companions. Be sure to cover the tank well as all these fish are expert jumpers. May also be seen on sale as the Spot-Stripe Scat.
Feeding
Flake, green flake, slow-sinking pellets/granules can be given, but frozen foods such as Spirulina-enriched brineshrimp, mosquito larvae, Mysis shrimp, krill, prawns (chopped for smaller specimens) etc are preferred. It is important that these fish are provided with a good amount of vegetable matter such as blanched spinach, kale, Romaine lettuce etc. Browses on certain types of algae. Will eat aquatic plants!
Breeding
This species has not been bred in the home aquarium.
