Scarlet Badis (Dario dario) Care Guide
One of the smallest known percoid fish, the male displays stunning scarlet-red and blue barred coloration. Shy and retiring, it thrives in heavily planted nano tanks with gentle filtration.
Overview
Dario dario is a species in the family Badidae. One of the smallest known percoid fish, the male displays stunning scarlet-red and blue barred coloration. Shy and retiring, it thrives in heavily planted nano tanks with gentle filtration. Often requires live or frozen foods as it may refuse dried foods.
Taxonomy
- Family: Badidae
- Genus: Dario
- Scientific name: Dario dario
- Other names: Dario Dario, Scarlet Gem Badis
- Origin: South Asia, India
Habitat
Native to shallow, heavily vegetated streams and tributaries of the Brahmaputra drainage in West Bengal, India, and adjacent Bhutan. Inhabits clear, slow-moving water over sand and leaf litter among dense marginal plants. Among the smallest known percoid fishes.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 20 L
- Temperature: 20-26 °C
- pH: 6-7.5
- GH: 2-10 °dGH
- Water flow: low
- Adult size: 1.5-2 cm
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
- Difficulty: intermediate
Diet
Classified as carnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 2x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.
Compatibility
- Temperament: peaceful
- Swimming level: middle
- Compatible tank mates: Ember Tetra, Cherry Shrimp, Pygmy Corydoras, Chili Rasbora
- Avoid with: Large Fish, Betta, Aggressive Species
Breeding
- Breeding strategy: egg-layer
- Breeding difficulty: intermediate