Overview
- The Scarlet Badis (Dario dario) is one of the smallest percoid fish. Males are bright red with blue bars.
- Found in tributaries of the Brahmaputra in West Bengal and Assam, India.
- Grows to about 0.8 in (2 cm) standard length. A popular nano fish.
Feeding
- A micropredator that eats tiny crustaceans, worms and larvae.
- Feed small live or frozen foods such as Daphnia, brine shrimp and grindal worms. Most refuse dried foods. [UNVERIFIED]
Habitat
- A tank with a base of 18 × 12 in (45 × 30 cm).
- Plenty of cover and plants, with a soft substrate.
- Water: 64–79°F (18–26°C), pH 6.5–8.5, GH 1–15.
Fish Care
- Feeding is the main challenge. Plan for regular live or frozen food.
Compatibility
- Slow and shy. Easily outcompeted for food.
- Best alone or with small, peaceful open-water fish.
Aquarium Behavior
- Rival males can be very aggressive, especially in small tanks.
- In small tanks keep one male with several females. [UNVERIFIED]
Breeding
- Spawns on the substrate and forms temporary pairs.
- Leave out other fish if you want to raise many fry.