Scarlet Badis – Dario dario
The Scarlet Badis (Dario dario) is a stunning nano freshwater fish known for its brilliant red coloration, vertical striping, subtle blue accents, and fascinating behavior. This tiny species is a favorite for aquascapers and nano aquarium hobbyists who want bold color in a small, natural planted setup.
Native to slow-moving waters in India, Scarlet Badis do best in mature aquariums with live plants, gentle filtration, and plenty of cover. They are peaceful but shy, making them best suited for species-only aquariums or carefully planned micro community tanks.
Key Features
- Brilliant red coloration with vertical striping
- Beautiful nano fish for planted aquariums
- Unique behavior and bold personality in a tiny size
- Excellent for aquascaping and natural-style setups
- Best for mature, heavily planted aquariums
- Great choice for experienced nano fish hobbyists
Care Guide
- Scientific Name: Dario dario
- Common Name: Scarlet Badis
- Origin: India
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful but shy; males can be territorial
- Adult Size: Up to approximately 0.8 inch
- Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons or larger recommended
- Tank Level: Bottom to midwater
- Water Temperature: 72–79°F
- pH Range: 6.5–7.5
- Hardness: Soft to moderate
- Diet: Carnivore / micro predator
Why Choose Scarlet Badis?
Scarlet Badis are one of the most colorful nano fish available, offering intense red striping and unique behavior in a very small package. They are especially rewarding in planted aquariums where they can explore, display, and claim small territories among plants and hardscape.
Because they are shy and slow feeders, Scarlet Badis are not ideal for busy community tanks with fast or aggressive fish. They do best in calm aquariums designed around their needs.
Ideal Tank Setup
Scarlet Badis thrive in mature, heavily planted aquariums with moss, fine-leaved plants, driftwood, leaf litter, caves, and shaded areas. A structured layout helps them feel secure and gives males space to establish small territories.
Gentle filtration, stable water parameters, and clean water are important. Avoid strong current and avoid keeping them with large, aggressive, or overly active tankmates that may outcompete them for food.
Compatible Tankmates
- Species-only setups
- Small peaceful micro fish with caution
- Chili Rasboras with careful feeding
- Ember Tetras with caution
- Pygmy Corydoras in larger planted setups
- Otocinclus
- Snails
- Adult shrimp with cover
Tankmates to Avoid
- Large or aggressive fish
- Fast, boisterous fish that outcompete them for food
- Fin-nipping fish
- Predatory fish
- Very crowded community tanks
- Tiny baby shrimp if shrimp breeding is the goal
Diet & Feeding
Scarlet Badis are micro predators and often prefer live or frozen foods. Offer frozen or live baby brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops, small bloodworms, grindal worms, and other tiny meaty foods.
Some Scarlet Badis may learn to accept prepared foods, but many are reluctant to eat dry flakes or pellets at first. For best success, provide small foods and make sure they are not being outcompeted by faster tankmates.
Care Tips
- Keep in a mature, stable aquarium
- Provide heavy planting and plenty of cover
- Use gentle filtration and avoid strong current
- Feed tiny live or frozen foods
- Avoid fast or aggressive tankmates
- Keep one male with multiple females when possible to reduce aggression
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Scarlet Badis good for community tanks?
They can work in very peaceful micro community tanks, but they are usually best in species-only or carefully planned nano setups because they are shy and slow feeders.
Are Scarlet Badis beginner-friendly?
They are best for intermediate or experienced hobbyists because they often prefer live or frozen foods and need a calm, mature aquarium.
Do Scarlet Badis need a planted aquarium?
A heavily planted aquarium is strongly recommended. Plants, moss, driftwood, and cover help them feel secure and display their best color.
Will Scarlet Badis eat dry food?
Some may learn to accept prepared foods, but many prefer live or frozen foods such as daphnia, baby brine shrimp, cyclops, and small bloodworms.
How many Scarlet Badis should I keep?
A group with one male and multiple females is ideal when available. Males can be territorial, so provide plenty of cover and space.
Can Scarlet Badis live with shrimp?
They can live with adult shrimp in planted aquariums, but they may eat tiny baby shrimp since 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
Scarlet Badis are colorful nano freshwater fish for planted aquariums, aquascapes, and peaceful micro setups. Visit Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming, to shop nano fish, unique 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.
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