Scats

Scats are members of the Scatophagidae family. They are found in the Indo-Pacific waters. The scats have a compressed and deep body like butterflyfishes, but also have a deep notch between the spinous and soft-rayed parts of dorsal fin that separate the families.

Scats occur in estuaries, harbours, and lower reaches of fresh-water streams, especially those with high mineral concentrations. They feed on algae and feces which is where the get their name. In Greek, "skatophagos" stands for feeding upon dung. Their dorsal, anal, and pelvis spines are venomous and capable of inflicting painful wounds.

There are 2 genera and about 4 species of Scatophagidae worldwide. Malaysia has only one species.

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