Taxonomy of Finfish (1+2)

3.3.9.5.4 Scatophagidae (Scats)

• Highly compressed body, quadrangular shaped fishes
• Head profile rising steeply to nape, mouth not protrusible
• Dorsal fin with 11 or 12 strong spines and 16 to 18 soft rays, the first spine procumbent; a deep notch between spinous and soft portions of fin
• Anal fin with 4 strong spines

Eg. Scatophagus argus

Similar Families

Chaetodontidae - Dorsal fin not deeply notched; protrusible mouth; 3 to 5 anal fin spines (usually 3).

Pomacanthidae - Dorsal fin not deeply notched; protrusible mouth; 3 anal fin spines; preopercle with a long spine.

Drepanidae - Mouth protrusible; 3 anal spines; pectoral fins elongate.