Scarlet Badis (Dario dario)

A true gem for nano tank enthusiasts, the Scarlet Badis is a brilliantly colored, peaceful freshwater fish known for its compact size and vibrant personality. Males boast deep red and orange hues with shimmering blue accents — perfect for planted or natural aquascapes.

📍 Origin:

India – found in the calm, plant-rich streams of the Brahmaputra River basin.

📏 Size:

0.5" to 0.8" (1.3 to 2 cm) — tiny but eye-catching!

🧠 Temperament:

Generally peaceful and shy. Males can be territorial toward other males, especially in confined spaces. Best kept singly or in a male-to-female ratio of 1:2 or 1:3.

💧 Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 72–79°F (22–26°C)

• pH: 6.5–7.5

• Hardness: 5–12 dGH

• Minimum Tank Size: 5 gallons (heavily planted recommended)

🌿 Care & Environment:

Scarlet Badis do best in a densely planted, low-flow aquarium with plenty of hiding spots such as driftwood, stones, and leaf litter. Dim lighting enhances their natural coloration. They are sensitive to water quality — regular maintenance and stable parameters are a must.

• Care Level: Intermediate

• Lifespan: 3–4 years with proper care

🍽️ Diet:

These micro-predators are picky eaters with a preference for:

• Live foods: baby brine shrimp, daphnia, micro-worms

• Frozen foods: bloodworms, cyclops, copepods

• Note: Most will ignore flakes or pellets. A live or frozen food routine is essential to maintain health and color.

🤝 Compatibility:

• Great with: Peaceful nano fish like chili rasboras, ember tetras, small shrimp (risk varies), otocinclus, pygmy corydoras

• Avoid: Fin-nippers, aggressive or fast-feeding fish, and large or boisterous species that may outcompete them at feeding time

• Best Setup: Solo male or a male with 2–3 females in a species-only tank or a calm, community nano tank with suitable tank mates

🎉 Fun Facts:

• Males perform a dramatic fin-flaring “dance” during courtship or when establishing dominance.

• One of the smallest freshwater fish in the hobby — perfect for nano tanks and desktop aquariums.

• They're often called "micro-cichlids" because of their body shape and territorial behaviors, though they are not true cichlids.

🛒 Ready to add rare color and quiet personality to your tank?
Bring home the Scarlet Badis from Stillwater Aquaria — where nano elegance meets expert care.
Limited availability – reserve yours today!