Scarlet Badis - Dario dario

Scarlet Badis (Dario dario) is a vibrant, nano-sized fish beloved for its fiery red coloration and peaceful demeanor. Native to slow-moving streams and tributaries in India, this tiny species thrives in well-planted aquariums with lots of hiding spots and a gentle flow. Males boast brilliant scarlet stripes and fin extensions, while females remain more subdued in color and slightly smaller.

Despite their small size, Scarlet Badis are territorial—especially males—so it’s best to keep one male per tank unless the space is heavily planted and includes visual barriers. They do well with other peaceful nano fish but may be outcompeted for food due to their slow and selective feeding habits.

Scarlet Badis are micropredators and prefer live or frozen foods such as baby brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms. They often ignore flakes or pellets, so specialized feeding is essential for their health and longevity.

Difficulty – Moderate
Temperament – Peaceful, mildly territorial
Size – Up to 0.8 inches
Tank Size – 5+ gallons
Temperature – 72°F to 79°F
Diet – Carnivore (live and frozen micro foods)
pH – 6.5 to 7.5

🌿 The Scarlet Badis brings a pop of color and quiet charm to any nano tank. Ideal for species-only setups or calm community aquariums with plenty of cover.
This listing is for 1 Scarlet Badis (Dario dario).