Banded scat

Handle with care

Selenotoca multifasciata

Also known as: Striped scat, Multi-banded scat, Silver scat

Got a photo? Identify fish instantly with the Fishby app.

Description

The Banded scat (Selenotoca multifasciata) is a species of perciform fish belonging to the family Scatophagidae. It is characterized by its deep, compressed body and distinctive vertical banding pattern. These fish are euryhaline, meaning they can tolerate a wide range of salinities, and are commonly found in brackish and marine environments.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape: compressed
Coloration: Silvery-grey to greenish-brown body with 5-7 prominent, dark vertical bands that extend from the dorsal surface to the ventral side. The fins are typically dusky or yellowish, sometimes with dark spots.
Scale type: ctenoid
Mouth position: terminal
Distinctive features: Deep, highly compressed body, 5-7 broad, dark vertical bands, Small mouth, Rough, ctenoid scales
Dorsal fin: Single dorsal fin with 10-11 strong spines followed by 16-18 soft rays. The spiny and soft-rayed portions are deeply notched.
Tail fin: Truncate to slightly emarginate caudal fin.
Pectoral fin: Small, rounded pectoral fins.
Distinctive fins: Anal fin with 4 spines and 13-15 soft rays. Pelvic fins are thoracic with one spine and five soft rays.

Identification Tips

Body Shape

Look for a very deep, disc-shaped, and laterally compressed body.

Banding Pattern

Count the distinct, broad, dark vertical bands (usually 5-7) that run across the body. These are a key identifier.

Fin Spines

Note the strong, venomous spines in the dorsal and anal fins. Exercise caution when handling.

Size

Adults can reach up to 40 cm (16 inches) in length, though typically smaller in aquariums.

Habitat

Water type: brackish
Depth: Typically found in shallow waters, from surface to about 20 meters (65 feet).
Environment: Estuaries, mangrove areas, coastal reefs, and sometimes freshwater reaches of rivers. They prefer areas with submerged vegetation, rocky outcrops, or muddy bottoms.
Geographic range: Indo-West Pacific region, from the Andaman Sea to Papua New Guinea, and south to northern Australia (Queensland and Northern Territory).

Aquarium Information

Care level: intermediate
Temperament: semi-aggressive
Diet: omnivore
Minimum tank size: 150 gallons (570 liters)
Temperature: 75-82°F (24-28°C)
pH level: 7.5-8.5
Hardness: 10-20 dKH
Compatibility: Can be kept with other robust, semi-aggressive to aggressive brackish or marine fish of similar size. Avoid keeping with very small or timid species. Best kept in groups of 3 or more to diffuse aggression.
Special requirements: Requires a large tank with ample swimming space and hiding spots. Excellent filtration is crucial due to their messy eating habits. As they mature, they prefer higher salinity, eventually requiring full marine conditions. A varied diet is essential for their health and coloration.

Wild Information

Conservation status: least concern
Seasonality: No specific seasonality for fishing or observation; present year-round in their habitats.
Market price: Low
Commercial importance: low
Taste: Mild, somewhat earthy
Texture: Firm, flaky
Cooking methods: Frying, Grilling, Baking
Nutritional value: Good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

Key Facts

Euryhaline Naturebehavior

Banded scats are highly adaptable to varying salinities, thriving in freshwater, brackish, and marine environments throughout their life cycle, though they typically prefer higher salinities as they mature.

Venomous Spinesamazing

Like other scats, Selenotoca multifasciata possesses venomous spines in its dorsal and anal fins, which can deliver a painful sting if mishandled.

Omnivorous Dietbehavior

These fish are opportunistic omnivores, feeding on a wide range of algae, detritus, small invertebrates, and even fish scales in the wild.

Aquarium Longevityinteresting

With proper care, Banded scats can live for 10-15 years in an aquarium setting, making them a long-term commitment for aquarists.

Safety Information

Handle with care

Safety level: caution
Venomous: Yes
Edibility: edible
Handling notes: The dorsal and anal fin spines of Selenotoca multifasciata are venomous and can inflict a painful sting. Exercise extreme caution when handling, especially when netting or unhooking. If stung, immerse the affected area in hot water (as hot as can be tolerated without scalding) to denature the protein-based venom, and seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen.

Similar Species

Spotted scat

Scatophagus argus

The Spotted scat has numerous dark spots covering its body, whereas the Banded scat has distinct vertical bands. The body shape is similar, but the pattern is the primary differentiator.

African scat

Scatophagus tetracanthus

The African scat also has vertical bands, but typically fewer (4-5) and often less distinct than S. multifasciata. Its geographic range is restricted to the western Indian Ocean and East Africa.

Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Perciformes
Family: Scatophagidae
Genus: Selenotoca
Species: multifasciata

Explore Banded scat

Identification Habitat & Range Aquarium Care Similar Species

Identify fish anywhere

Free on iOS, Android, and Web. Photo identification, full species details, and more.

Download on theApp Store Get it onGoogle Play Continue onWeb

Open in app