Scarlet Badis

Dario dario

Also known as: Scarlet Gem Badis

Formerly: Badis bengalensis

One of the smallest aquarium fish in the trade, the males a vivid candy-red barred with iridescent blue.

Water

Freshwater

Temperature

71–79°F

pH

6.5–7.5

Hardness

4–10 dGH

Max size

0.8 in

Min tank

10 gal

Temperament

Peaceful

Social

Solitary (1+)

Swim level

Bottom

Diet

Carnivore

Care level

Intermediate

Lifespan

4-6 years

Breeding

Egg-layer

Origin

India

A jewel for planted nano tanks, but a fussy eater that usually refuses flake and needs live or frozen foods like baby brine and microworms. Keep one male with two or three females, as males spar over territory. Best in a quiet tank without fast or boisterous tankmates that outcompete it for food.