Scarlet badis - Dario dario

Scientific name: Dario dario

Common name: Scarlet badis

Family: Badidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 1 - 2 cm (0.39 - 0.79 inch)

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Recommended pH range: 6.3 - 7

Recommended water hardness: 6 - 18°N (107.14 - 321.43ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature range: 23 - 27 °C (73.4 - 80.6°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: South Asia

Temperament to its own species: peaceful to females

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

Short description

The Scarlet badis (Dario dario) is a tiny, jewel-colored badid from India. Males stake out thumbnail-sized territories and display vivid scarlet bars, while females are smaller and plain. Despite their size, they are selective micro-predators that need calm, densely planted nano tanks with gentle filtration and plenty of leaf litter, wood, and moss to feel secure. Keep one male with 2–3 females to avoid male-on-male aggression.

Origin

Native to India (West Bengal/Assam; Brahmaputra drainage). Found in slow, shallow margins and weed-choked ditches with soft, slightly acidic to neutral water, gentle flow, and dense vegetation.

Food and feeding

A picky micro-predator. Offer live or frozen small foods: newly hatched brine shrimp (Artemia nauplii), daphnia, cyclops, grindal worms, microworms, vinegar eels, and moina. They may learn to take high-quality micro-pellets or fine flakes, but weaning takes patience. Bloodworms and mysis are often too large—either chop them finely or avoid. Feed several small meals daily so they have time to hunt.

Sexing

Males are brighter with distinct red bars and extended fins; females are smaller, beige-silver, and rounder when ripe.

Breeding

Dario dario spawns in tiny cavities (leaf curls, clumps of moss, narrow crevices). The male courts the female and then guards the eggs until hatching; after that he may lose interest in fry care. Use slightly acidic, very clean water with abundant moss (Java moss) and small hiding spots. Eggs hatch in about 2–3 days, and the fry are extremely small—start with infusoria, rotifers, or vinegar eels, then move to Artemia nauplii.

Lifespan

Typically 3–5 years with excellent care (6 years is exceptional).

Behavior & compatibility

Males are territorial toward other males. They do best in species-only nano setups or with very peaceful, tiny tank mates that are not food competitors. Avoid fast, boisterous species; Scarlet badis are slow and shy feeders. Dwarf shrimp may be at risk, especially juveniles.

Tank requirements

Tank size: at least 20–30 liters for 1 male 2–3 females; larger volumes provide more stability.
Aquascape: dense planting, leaf litter, driftwood, Java moss, and narrow hiding places (leaf tubes, cones, etc.).
Filtration: very gentle (sponge filter), low flow, and pristine water quality.
Water: pH ~6.3–7.0, soft to moderately hard; stability is more important than chasing exact numbers.

💡 Feeding tip:

Scarlet badis (Dario dario) rarely accept flake food or pellets when first introduced. They thrive on live and frozen micro-foods such as baby brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops, microworms, grindal worms, vinegar eels, and moina. Bloodworms or mysis are usually too large unless chopped very finely. Offer several small meals daily to match their natural hunting behavior.