An Overview on Morphology, Biology, and Culture of Spotted Scat Scatophagus argus (Linnaeus 1766)

Spotted scat Scatophagus argus is a popular aquarium species around the world due to its colorful appearance, hardiness, slow growth, and calm behavior. It has also been admired as a food fish mainly in the South and South-East Asian countries due to its good nutrient quality with high protein content and taste. Considering its importance both as ornamental and food fish, several researchers have studied on different aspects of its morphology, food and feeding habit, reproductive biology, and culture; but to date no consolidated report is available on these aspects. This report seeks to consolidate all available information on its morphology, biology, and culture and explore the scope for future research that will be beneficial for its fishery and trade. Considering the information summed up in the present report, it is evident that ample information is available on morphological characters, food, and feeding habit of Scatophagus argus without adequate knowledge on different aspects of its reproductive biology and culture. Further study is needed on these comparatively less explored aspects to support its fishery and trade in the near future.