Fin's Fish Guide
The Banded scat (Selenotoca multifasciata) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Scatophagidae that grows up to 40 cm.
Indo-West Pacific; estuaries, river mouths and lower reaches of rivers.
Description
The striped scat is a coastal fish of the scat family (Scatophagidae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 40 cm and has a deep, nearly round, laterally compressed, silvery body with numerous dark vertical bars and spots. It inhabits coastal estuaries, river mouths and rock pools and enters mangrove creeks and the lower reaches of fresh water, tolerating strongly varying salinities. As an omnivore it eats algae, detritus and small invertebrates. The dorsal-fin spines are mildly venomous and can give a painful puncture wound; handle the fish with care. It is eaten locally and kept in the aquarium.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Banded scat?
The Banded scat has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Deep, striped body that tolerates strongly varying salinities; mildly venomous dorsal fin spines.
Where does the Banded scat live?
The Banded scat lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Indo-West Pacific; estuaries, river mouths and lower reaches of rivers.
How big does the Banded scat get?
The Banded scat grows to a maximum of about 40 cm.
Is the Banded scat dangerous to humans?
The Banded scat is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. The stout, sharp fin spines can cause painful puncture or cut wounds; handle the fish with care. Clean the wound, let it bleed, and seek medical care if pain or infection increases.
Is the Banded scat edible?
The Banded scat is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Scatophagidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Banded scat is one of 12,519 species in the app.