Scats are among the most popular and widely kept estuarine fish. They are excellent starter animals for hobbyists setting up their first brackish water aquarium. Several species of scats are found throughout India, Southeast Asia, and Australia. They are schooling fish of shallow tidal areas, with the largest species reaching a length of 12 inches. Wild scats have been reported to consume mud, but it is more likely that they are taking up mouthfuls of mud and extracting the small invertebrates and organic detritus contained therein.

Scats form large schools and are at home in environments ranging from river mouths to the open ocean. Large adults seem to favor marine habitats, while younger individuals tend to stay in estuarine areas.

The most commonly available species are green scats and red scats. Both have a shiny, almost metallic sheen, with the green species being particularly attractive in that the coloration does not fade with age. Red scats exhibit brown spots on a reddish background, the brightness of which tends to fade as the animal matures.

Scats do well in typical brackish water aquariums and coexist peaceably with other fish. They do best in small groups. Scats are quite active and require a good deal of room if they are to thrive and grow to full size.

Due to the peculiarities of their natural history, adults should be provided with water that is nearly marine in salinity. Younger specimens do well at lower salinities and seem to benefit from fluctuations in specific gravity.

The feeding of scats in captivity presents no problems whatsoever. They will ravenously consume all manner of typical aquarium foods. Scats do seem to require a good deal of vegetable matter in their diet, so be sure to include greens and algae tablets.