🐟 Scarlet Badis (Dario dario) – Nano Fish with Brilliant Color

Description:
The Scarlet Badis (Dario dario) is one of the most vibrant nano fish in the aquarium hobby, known for its intense red coloration with vertical stripes and striking blue accents. Native to slow-moving streams in India, Scarlet Badis are shy, peaceful fish perfect for heavily planted nano aquariums. Males are especially colorful, while females are smaller and more subdued in color.

Care Information

• Care Level: Moderate (best for experienced aquarists)
• Temperament: Peaceful but shy, especially males
• Max Size: ~0.8 inches (2 cm)
• Tank Size: 10+ gallons recommended
• Diet: Carnivore – prefers live and frozen foods (daphnia, brine shrimp, bloodworms); may be slow to accept dry foods
• Water Parameters:
• Temperature: 72–79°F (22–26°C)
• pH: 6.5–7.5
• Hardness: Soft to moderate

❓ FAQ

Q: Are Scarlet Badis good for community tanks?
A: They are best in peaceful, species-only setups or with tiny, non-aggressive tank mates due to their shy nature.

Q: Are they easy to breed?
A: Yes, they are substrate spawners, but fry care requires experience.

Q: Do they need a planted aquarium?
A: Yes, heavily planted tanks help them feel secure and bring out their best colors.

Q: Will they eat dry food?
A: Many prefer live or frozen foods, so they may need training to accept dry pellets.

Q: How many should I keep?
A: A small group with one male and multiple females is ideal for minimal aggression.