Fauna
Fish · GBIF taxon 2394736

Spotted Scat

Scatophagus argus

Also known as Butterfish, Mia Mia, Spotted Butterfish, Argusfish

Spotted scats are highly adaptable coastal teleosts known for shifting from freshwater nursery streams to brackish estuaries and fully marine reefs as they mature. Schools graze along muddy substrates, mangrove prop roots, and wharf pilings, using flattened spade-shaped bodies and comb-like teeth to scrape biofilms, filamentous algae, and detritus. When threatened by larger predatory fish or wading birds, they erect sharp, mildly venomous dorsal and anal spines to deter attackers.

BrackishSchoolingEuryhaline
Spotted Scat reference1 / 5
Licensed reference(c) Brian Gratwicke, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Filamentous Algae
  • Polychaete Worms
  • Small Crustaceans
Predators
  • Barramundi
  • Mangrove Jack
  • Estuarine Crocodiles
ThreatsCoastal habitat destruction, mangrove deforestation, pollution from port runoff, and local overfishing.
HabitatsMangrove swamps, brackish estuaries, harbors, muddy coastal bays, and freshwater lower river courses.
Life span10–20 years
Classification
  1. OrderPerciformes
  2. FamilyScatophagidae
  3. GenusScatophagus
  4. SpeciesScatophagus argus
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskVery high
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is very high
Dorsal and anal spines deliver a mildly venomous, painful sting; avoid touching without protective gear.
Why it is dangerous
Dorsal, anal, and pelvic spines contain venom glands that inject toxins capable of causing intense throbbing pain, swelling, and localized numbness.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Recognizable by its disc-shaped, laterally compressed body covered in round dark spots over a greenish or bronzy-red base.
What to do
Never pick up bare-handed from an angler line or aquarium; immerse accidental punctures in non-scalding hot water to break down venom proteins.
Responsible observation
  • Handling Precaution: Use thick puncture-resistant gloves or a net if handling, as fin spines cause intense localized pain.
  • Estuary Spotting: Look around sheltered mangrove roots and boat docks during high tide where juveniles actively graze biofilms.
Related species
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?

Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.

Checking your Fauna account…