It is found in brackish water estuaries and the lower reaches of freshwater streams, frequently occurring among mangroves. The young ones can live in freshwater but juveniles needs brackish water for survival. The water quality requirements are, temperature 20-28 °C, pH 7.5-8.5 and hard water. The young ones of this species are brilliantly colored. The sides are Silver Green or Silver Brown and the field of the body is marked with large round Black spots. The Scat is fairy easy to maintain in the aquarium. They are very active and fairly peaceful with each other. Omnivorous and eats almost anything including live, flake, or frozen food items. Some vegetable matter should also be included in their diet as they are known to eat aquarium plants. No success on captive breeding has been reported. It is believed that they spawn on coral reefs and the young migrate to the freshwater and brackish areas near river estuaries. When they mature they return to the open sea.