Dario hysginon – Burmese Badis
Dario hysginon, also known as the Burmese Badis or Scarlet Badis Red Neon, is a rare and colorful nano freshwater fish from Myanmar. This micro-predatory species is known for its deep red-orange coloration, subtle neon highlights, and fascinating behavior in planted aquariums.
Compared to the more common Scarlet Badis (Dario dario), Dario hysginon grows slightly larger and often displays richer red-orange tones. It is peaceful with many calm tankmates, but males can be territorial with their own kind, making a heavily planted aquarium with plenty of cover important.
Key Features
- Rare Dario species from Myanmar
- Deep red-orange coloration with subtle neon highlights
- Micro-predatory nano fish for planted aquariums
- Peaceful but territorial, especially males
- Best for species tanks or calm micro community setups
- Great choice for experienced aquarists seeking unique fish
Care Guide
- Scientific Name: Dario hysginon
- Common Names: Burmese Badis, Scarlet Badis Red Neon
- Origin: Myanmar
- Care Level: Moderate to advanced
- Temperament: Peaceful but territorial, especially males
- Adult Size: Approximately 1.5–1.75 inches
- Lifespan: Approximately 3–5 years with proper care
- Minimum Tank Size: 10–15 gallons or larger recommended
- Tank Level: Bottom to midwater
- Water Temperature: 72–78°F
- pH Range: 6.5–7.5
- Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
- Diet: Carnivore / micro predator
Why Choose Dario hysginon?
Dario hysginon is a great choice for aquarists who enjoy rare nano fish with personality, color, and interesting behavior. Its red-orange coloration gives it a bold look in planted aquariums, especially against moss, driftwood, leaf litter, and darker backgrounds.
This is not a typical beginner community fish. Dario hysginon can be shy, territorial, and selective with food, so it does best in mature aquariums designed around its needs.
Ideal Tank Setup
Dario hysginon thrives in mature, heavily planted aquariums with moss, fine-leaved plants, driftwood, caves, leaf litter, and shaded hiding areas. A structured layout gives males territory while allowing females and less dominant fish places to retreat.
Gentle filtration, stable water quality, and low to moderate flow are recommended. Species-only aquariums are often best, especially if keeping multiple males or trying to observe natural behavior.
Compatible Tankmates
- Species-only setups
- One male with multiple females when available
- Very small peaceful rasboras with caution
- Other calm micro fish with careful feeding
- Otocinclus in larger mature setups
- Snails
- Adult shrimp with caution and heavy cover
Tankmates to Avoid
- Large or aggressive fish
- Fast, boisterous fish that outcompete them for food
- Fin-nipping fish
- Predatory fish
- Crowded community tanks
- Tiny baby shrimp if shrimp breeding is the goal
Diet & Feeding
Dario hysginon is a micro predator and usually prefers live or frozen foods. Offer baby brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops, grindal worms, small bloodworms, and other tiny meaty foods.
Many Dario hysginon are reluctant to accept flakes or pellets, especially when newly introduced. Feed small foods carefully and make sure they are not being outcompeted by faster tankmates.
Care Tips
- Keep in a mature, stable aquarium
- Use a heavily planted layout with plenty of cover
- Provide caves, driftwood, moss, and shaded areas
- Feed tiny live or frozen foods
- Avoid fast or aggressive tankmates
- Keep one male with multiple females when possible
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Dario hysginon different from Scarlet Badis?
Dario hysginon is a different species from Dario dario. It is typically slightly larger and shows deeper red-orange coloration with subtle neon highlights.
Do Dario hysginon accept flakes or pellets?
Rarely. Many prefer live or frozen micro foods such as baby brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops, grindal worms, and small bloodworms.
Can male Dario hysginon be kept together?
Only with caution in larger, heavily planted aquariums with many hiding spaces. Otherwise, a group with one male and multiple females is usually better.
Are Dario hysginon good for community tanks?
They can work in very calm micro community tanks, but species-only setups are often better because they are shy feeders and can be territorial.
Are Dario hysginon beginner-friendly?
They are best for intermediate to advanced aquarists because they often require live or frozen foods and a calm, mature aquarium.
Can Dario hysginon live with shrimp?
They may live with adult shrimp in a heavily planted aquarium, but they can eat baby shrimp because they are micro predators.
Are these fish available for shipping?
No. Live fish are available for in-store purchase or local pickup only at Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Available at Tropical Treasures Wyo
Dario hysginon are rare nano freshwater fish for planted aquariums, species-only setups, and experienced aquarists seeking unique aquarium species. Visit Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming, to shop nano fish, rare freshwater fish, shrimp, snails, live aquarium plants, fish food, filtration supplies, and aquarium care products. Live livestock is available for in-store purchase or local pickup only.
Explore More Aquarium Products:
Out of stock
Couldn't load pickup availability
Explore Related Aquarium Products: