Scarlet Badis - Dario dario

Scarlet Badis (Dario dario)

The Scarlet Badis, Dario dario, is a tiny but brilliantly coloured freshwater micro-predator from India, prized for the males’ vivid red and blue barring, confident display behaviour and suitability for mature nano aquariums. Also known as the Scarlet Gem Badis, Red Badis or Rainbow Badis, this species is best kept by aquarists who can provide a heavily planted, peaceful setup and very small live or frozen foods. Despite its size, it is not a simple beginner community fish, as males can be territorial and many individuals are reluctant to accept dry foods.

Common Name:
Scarlet Badis, Scarlet Gem Badis, Red Badis, Rainbow Badis.

Scientific Name (Latin):
Dario dario

Maximum Size:
Usually around 1.5–2 cm, with some aquarium references describing mature males closer to 2 cm.

Water Type:
Freshwater

Origin / Natural Habitat:
Native to India, especially clear, shallow, slow-moving streams and vegetated marginal habitats in the north-east. Wild habitats may include sandy or fine gravel bottoms, dense aquatic plants and clear water with gentle flow.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 22–26°C
pH Range: 6.5–7.5
Hardness or Salinity: Soft to moderately hard freshwater; stable, clean water is more important than extreme softness.

Temperament:
Peaceful but territorial with its own kind. Males will defend small territories and may spar or display at rivals, especially in compact aquariums. It is best kept either as a single male, a pair, or a small harem-style group with plenty of plants, mosses and visual barriers. Avoid large, boisterous or fast-feeding tank mates.

Diet:
Specialist micro-predator. Offer tiny live and frozen foods such as live baby brineshrimp, microworms, daphnia, cyclops, copepods, grindal worm, small bloodworm and very fine frozen foods. Some individuals may learn to take micro pellets or crushed prepared foods, but this should not be relied on. Their small mouths and shy feeding style mean they must not be outcompeted.

Minimum Tank Size:
A minimum of 30 litres is recommended for a single male or carefully managed pair, with 45–60 litres or more preferred for small groups. Heavy planting, moss, caves, leaf litter and broken lines of sight are more important than open swimming space.

Behaviour & Activity:
A small, deliberate, bottom-to-mid-level fish that spends much of its time hovering among plants, moss and cover. Males colour up strongly when settled and may display with flared fins and intensified red-and-blue striping. Scarlet Badis are not strong swimmers and prefer calm areas rather than strong current. They are egg scatterers that may spawn among plants or fine-leaved cover.

Aquarium Category:
Community Fish
Best suited to species aquariums or very peaceful nano communities with tiny, calm tank mates such as small rasboras, dwarf shrimp with caution, peaceful snails and other non-boisterous fish. Avoid larger community fish, fin-nippers, aggressive dwarf cichlids, fast-feeding danios, large tetras and anything likely to intimidate or outcompete them. Tiny shrimp fry may be eaten.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
This is a specialist nano fish rather than a general beginner fish. A mature aquarium with stable water quality, dense planting and established microfauna is strongly recommended. Feeding is the main challenge, as many Scarlet Badis prefer live foods and may ignore flakes. Keep more females than males where possible, although females are less commonly available in trade. Provide a secure lid, gentle filtration and plenty of hiding places.

Suitable for:
Intermediate fishkeepers

Availability:
Occasional in trade / Often specialist import or captive-bred where relevant

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.