Scats - Just Curious

[ibb]

We bought two scats from the fish shop and paid about $16AUS each for them. The guy said they were very timid fish so we actually worried the other fish would bully them. Anyway a month and a bit later, they are 3 times their size making them the biggest fish in our tank and they are the bullies, plus one of them attacks the other. Is this normal?
We have tetras, gouramis, loaches, catfish, guppies and platties.

 

[Callum]

Sounds normal to me read this and then look at the comments

http/badmanstropicalfish.com/profiles/profile56.html

 

[nmonks]

Anyway a month and a bit later, they are 3 times their size making them the biggest fish in our tank and they are the bullies, plus one of them attacks the other. Is this normal?

Yes and no. Scats grow very quickly, and all but one species get to around 20 cm or so in aquaria (and much bigger in the wild). They are basically peaceful, schooling fish, but with any schooling fish, when kept in pairs often become tricky. In a group, one fish can't bully another fish, but in pairs it can, and that's what often happens. With scats, it's best to have either one or at least three or four. They are not really aggressive to other fish, but they are greedy and powerful fish, and if kept with small species will push them about at feeding time.

We have tetras, gouramis, loaches, catfish, guppies and platties.

Those are great fish! I just hope they're not in the tank with the scats. Scats need brackish water over the long term. While they live in freshwater as babies, they move into estuaries fairly quickly, and adults are essentially marine. In captivity, they will do well at 50% seawater on a permanent basis, but if kept in freshwater, become sickly and nervous. While guppies can be adapted to 50% seawater, none of your other fish can. There is no two-ways about this: the scats need their own tank, or the other fish will have to go.

Please have a read of my brackish FAQ, linked below, and pop over to the Brackish section of this forum to talk with other experienced brackish water fishkeepers.

cheers, Neale