Description
Overview:
The Scarlet Badis is a tiny yet brilliantly colored freshwater fish, famous for the vivid crimson and orange vertical stripes displayed by males. With its peaceful, shy nature and compact size, it is ideal for nano and heavily planted aquariums. Females are more subdued in color, but their presence helps males display their full courtship brilliance. This species is perfect for aquarists who appreciate micro fish with big personality.
Origin:
Native to the clear, slow-moving streams and tributaries of the Brahmaputra River basin in India and Bangladesh, often found in densely vegetated waters.
Feeding:
Primarily micropredatory—prefers live and frozen foods such as daphnia, cyclops, baby brine shrimp, and microworms. Some individuals will accept high-quality micro pellets or flakes, but most thrive on a diet rich in small live or frozen foods.
Tank Mates:
Best kept in species-only nano aquariums or with other tiny, peaceful fish such as chili rasboras, ember tetras, and pygmy Corydoras. Avoid keeping with fin-nippers or larger, boisterous fish. Males can be territorial, so keep one male with multiple females in small tanks, or maintain a group in a well-planted larger setup.
Water Parameters:
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Temperature: 72–79°F (22–26°C)
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pH: 6.5–7.5
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Soft to moderately hard water
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Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
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Prefers heavily planted aquariums with gentle filtration and low flow
Behavior & Personality:
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Peaceful, shy, and best observed in a calm environment
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Males flare fins and display intense colors during courtship or mild territorial disputes
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Enjoys exploring plants and mosses for tiny live prey
Special Notes:
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Short lifespan of around 3–4 years
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Best colors achieved in dim lighting with dark substrate
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Spawns in caves or dense vegetation—parents do not guard fry
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Due to small mouth size, feed appropriately sized foods
The Scarlet Badis (Dario dario) is a true jewel of the nano aquarium world—small in size but huge in beauty and charm, perfect for aquarists who enjoy peaceful, planted tank setups.
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