A small, colorful fish found in coastal muddy areas, estuaries, and mangroves across the Indo-Pacific. Popular with recreational anglers for its spirited fight and availability in backwaters and shallow seas. Scientific name: Scatophagus argus.
Live lots change through the day. See all live lots
Mild, slightly sweet flesh with a clean flavour; best when fresh from clean waters
Many fine bones; requires careful filleting or cooking whole and deboning while eating
In November, our outlook shows it in season around Bengaluru, Bhopal, Chennai, Delhi, Digha and Goa.
Annual sea fishing bans: East coast annual fishing ban (15 Apr – 14 Jun); West coast monsoon fishing ban (1 Jun – 31 Jul). Fewer boats land fresh sea fish during these weeks.
Mild, slightly sweet flesh with a clean flavour; best when fresh from clean waters. Many fine bones; requires careful filleting or cooking whole and deboning while eating.
Popular dishes include Fried scat (Coastal Karnataka and Kerala), Scat curry (West Bengal and Odisha backwaters) and Grilled butterfish (Tamil Nadu coast).
On the Fishing Journey Fish Market, FSSAI-registered sellers list fresh catch as lots. Bid up to your maximum or use Buy now where it is offered, pay from your wallet within 2 hours of winning and collect the fish with your pickup code.
Mechanised and motorised boats stop fishing at sea during the annual bans (East coast annual fishing ban (15 Apr – 14 Jun); West coast monsoon fishing ban (1 Jun – 31 Jul)), so less fresh sea fish is landed in those weeks. Check the Fish Market for live lots.
Spotted scat fishing guide: bait, season and spots
