Butterfish (Selenotoca multifasciata)

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Selenotoca multifasciata453.jpg
Butterfish

Selenotoca multifasciata

568 Litres (150 US G.)

35-40 cm (13.8-15.7")

pH

6.5 - 7.5

23 -26 °C (73.4-78.8°F)

9-19 °d

1:1 M:F

Carnivore
Pellet Foods
Flake Foods
Live Foods
Other (See article)

5-8 years

Family

Scatophagidae



Additional names

Butterfish, Spotbanded Scat, Banded Scat, Silver Scat


Sexing[edit]

These fish are very difficult to visually sex with no obvious external differences.


Tank compatibility[edit]

Large brackish fish that should not be kept with smaller species, best kept in a group in a species tank. Can be aggressive so should only be kept with similar-sized robust tank mates who prefer similar water chemistry.


Diet[edit]

Like other Scats, will accept most foods offered avidly. Ensure to add vegetable matter to their diet, and some small live/frozen food occasionally as well.


Feeding regime[edit]

Regularly - on a daily basis at least once or twice a day.


Environment specifics[edit]

Keep in brackish water; as very young fish they can be kept in hard, alkaline freshwater, but as they grow they will need either brackish or marine water. Brackish water SG 1.003 and upward. Their tank should be long and spacious with plenty of open swimming space.


Behaviour[edit]

Very active species that adds much activity to the tank. Has been known to nip very slow moving fish while young.


Identification[edit]

Different to other Scat species in the body being silver in base colour and retaining vertical bands on the flanks into adulthood. The other species in this genus, Selenotoca papuensis, has spots at least the size of it's eyes.

Pictures[edit]

External links[edit]