Species profile
Scarlet Badis
Dario dario
Semi aggressive
Moderate care
30 L minimum aquarium
1.5–2.5 cm adult size
Bottom–mid
Minimum group: 2
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Do not sell this as a beginner nano community fish. Its tiny mouth, preference for live/frozen prey and male territoriality require deliberate feeding and layout.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
20–26 °C
pH
6.5–7.5
GH
3–12 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Low
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 2
Tank zone
Bottom–mid
Territory level
Moderate
Predation risk
Shrimp fry
Bioload factor
0.3
Tiny micropredator whose males are territorial. Best in a densely planted species-focused tank or with exceptionally calm microfish; feeding competition is a bigger risk than aggression from the Badis.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
Yes
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Low
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
3–5 years
Diet type
Carnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
30 L
Minimum footprint
45 × 25 cm
Accepted scientific name
Dario dario
Alternative names
Scarlet Badis, Scarlet Gem Badis
Native range
Brahmaputra drainage in West Bengal and Assam, India.
Natural habitat
Shallow clear streams and marginal pools with dense aquatic vegetation, leaf litter and gentle flow.
Diet & feeding
Micropredator of tiny crustaceans, worms and insect larvae. Many refuse dry food, so provide suitably small live/frozen foods.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Males develop intense scarlet/red-blue barring and larger fins; females are smaller, plainer and more difficult to source in the trade.
Breeding
Temporary pair/substrate spawner. Male establishes a small territory and spawning occurs among plants or fine cover; adults may eat eggs/fry.