Scarlet Badis

To protect our animals and to ensure they get to our customers healthy and thriving, we will only ship our orders via UPS Next Day Air.

The Scarlet Badis (Dario dario) is a small and strikingly beautiful fish species native to the freshwater rivers and streams of India and Bangladesh. It’s known for its vibrant coloration and is a fantastic addition to small or nano aquariums.

Key Characteristics:

• Size: Scarlet Badis are quite small, typically growing to about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in length, making them ideal for nano or small community tanks.

• Appearance: They are recognized for their brilliant red and orange coloration, especially in males. The males display more intense colors, including a mix of bright reds, blues, and oranges, while females are usually more subdued in color, often being a pale yellowish-brown with some light speckling.

• Coloration: The males are particularly striking, with their deep red bodies and occasional blue highlights, making them a beautiful focal point in an aquarium.

Care Requirements:

• Tank Setup: Scarlet Badis are best kept in well-planted tanks that mimic their natural environment. Providing dense plants, rocks, and hiding spots is essential for their well-being, as they tend to be a bit shy and enjoy having areas where they can retreat.

• Water Conditions: They prefer slightly acidic to neutral water (pH 6.0-7.5) with a temperature range of 72-78°F (22-26°C). The water should be soft to moderately hard, and good filtration is essential to maintain high water quality.

• Diet: Scarlet Badis are carnivores and primarily feed on live or frozen foods such as small invertebrates, brine shrimp, daphnia, and small worms. They will also accept finely chopped frozen foods or high-quality pellets designed for carnivorous fish.

Behavior and Compatibility:

• Social Behavior: Scarlet Badis are peaceful but can be a bit territorial, especially when kept with other males. It’s best to keep them in a species-only tank or in a tank with other peaceful, small fish. Males can become territorial and may chase each other, so if you want to keep more than one male, it’s best to have a ratio of one male to several females.

• Tankmates: They do well with other small, peaceful species. Good tankmates for Scarlet Badis include small tetras, rasboras, and other non-aggressive fish. Avoid keeping them with larger or overly active fish that may intimidate them.

• Activity: Scarlet Badis are not very active swimmers. They tend to hover near the substrate, often hiding among plants or rocks. You may occasionally see them darting out to catch food, but they generally prefer to stay hidden unless they feel secure.

Special Considerations:

• Territoriality: As mentioned, males can be territorial, so it’s important to avoid overcrowding or keeping too many males in one tank. If you wish to keep multiple males, ensure there are enough hiding spots and territories.

• Dietary Needs: Scarlet Badis require a diet rich in protein, and they may not always take prepared foods (like flakes or pellets). Offering live or frozen foods is usually the best way to keep them healthy and happy.

• Water Quality: Like many small fish, they are sensitive to poor water conditions, so maintaining stable water parameters with regular water changes is crucial.

Size at shipping: 0.5 - 1" unsexed