Scarlet Badis (Dario dario)

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

The Scarlet Badis is one of the most colorful nano freshwater fish, known for its intense red coloration, vertical striping, and subtle blue accents.

Native to slow-moving streams in India, this peaceful yet shy species is perfect for heavily planted nano aquariums. Scarlet Badis are a favorite among aquascapers due to their vivid color and fascinating behavior, especially when kept in well-structured environments with plenty of cover.

🔥 Why You’ll Love It

• Brilliant red coloration with unique striping
• Perfect for nano and planted aquariums
• Peaceful, fascinating behavior in natural setups
• Ideal for aquascaping and shrimp-safe tanks
• Compact size for smaller aquariums

📋 Care Information

• Scientific Name: Dario dario
• Common Name: Scarlet Badis
• Care Level: Moderate (best for experienced aquarists)
• Temperament: Peaceful but shy
• Max Size: Up to 0.8 inches
• Tank Size: 10 gallons minimum
• Diet: Carnivore (prefers live and frozen foods like daphnia, brine shrimp, bloodworms)
• Water Parameters: 72–79°F • pH 6.5–7.5 • Soft to moderate hardness

🌿 Perfect For

• Heavily planted nano aquariums
• Aquascaping-focused setups
• Species-only or peaceful micro community tanks
• Experienced hobbyists seeking unique nano fish

🔍 Frequently Asked Questions

Are Scarlet Badis good for community tanks?
They are best kept in peaceful setups with very small, non-aggressive tank mates or in species-only tanks.

Are they easy to breed?
Yes, they are substrate spawners, but raising fry requires experience.

Do they need a planted aquarium?
Yes, heavily planted tanks help them feel secure and display their best colors.

Will they eat dry food?
Many prefer live or frozen foods and may need time to accept dry foods.

How many should I keep?
A group with one male and multiple females is ideal to reduce aggression.