Scarlet badis

Dario dario

Tiny males with alternating red and iridescent blue bars

Males show red-blue flank bars and extended pelvic rays. Females are smaller, rounder and much less colourful; a small dull fish is not automatically female.

Adult length: Up to 2 cm (standard length, without the tail fin)
Water temperature: 18–26 °C
pH: 6.5–8.5
Hardness: 1–15 dGH

Small size does not remove feeding and territorial demands. Arrange suitable tiny foods before purchase.

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Appearance and identification

Badis dario and Scarlet are historical labels for this species; Badis badis is different. Male D. hysginon lacks the conspicuous blue bars and has a dark anterior dorsal mark. Colour alone cannot identify juveniles.

Social behaviour and territory

Published group advice conflicts. The importer’s 10–20-fish observation lacks a footprint, while the profile warns of male aggression. No universal minimum is adopted.

Compatibility limits

Large or eager competitors can exclude it from food. Shrimp safety and compatibility are not established by shared temperatures.

Space requirements

A 45 × 30 cm base is the profile reference for a pair or one male with females. Plants and branches break sight lines; no capacity is certified.

Aquarium environment

Dense plants provide cover and spawning surfaces. Keep a feeding area visible. Do not expect persistent coordinated schooling.

Diet and feeding

Offer tiny live foods or accepted frozen foods. Check actual ingestion; do not rely on flakes or incidental aquarium organisms.

Sources

www.seriouslyfish.com ↗ 2026-10-22

api.gbif.org ↗ 2026-10-22