Scatophagus tetracanthus (Lacepède, 1802)
Scatty
photo by Moeremans, L.

Family:  Scatophagidae (Scats)
Max. size:  30 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater; brackish; marine; depth range 0 - 5 m
Distribution:  Indo-West Pacific: Somalia (Ref. 30573) and Kenya to South Africa, Australia and Papua New Guinea. Also found in the rivers and lagoons of East Africa.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 11-11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15-18; Anal spines: 4-4; Anal soft rays: 14-15
Biology:  Common in harbors and estuaries (Ref. 5480); also found in rivers and lagoons. Forms shoals (Ref. 5480). Feeds on detritus and benthic invertebrates (Ref. 30573). Antirolateral glandular groove with venom gland (Ref. 57406).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 28 June 2016 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  venomous


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