Flame red badis

Orange-red miniature males with a dark front dorsal patch

Natural red males may look pale in shops, becoming more colourful when settled. They lack the striking blue flank bars of male D. dario. Females have shorter fins and subdued colour.

Adult length

Up to 2 cm (standard length, without the tail fin)

Water temperature

20–24 °C

Lifespan

3–6 years

pH

6.5–7.5

Hardness

1–5 dGH

Natural habitat

Occurs in rivers and streams.

Territories and tiny food supplies matter despite the small body.