Scarlet Badis (Dario dario) – A Complete Care Guide

Latin Name: Dario dario
Common Names: Scarlet Badis, Scarlet Gem Badis

The Scarlet Badis, also known as the Scarlet Gem Badis, is a vibrant and unique freshwater fish known for its bright colors and relatively peaceful demeanor. Native to the slow-moving waters of India, this tiny fish is a popular choice for nano aquariums due to its small size and striking appearance. In this guide, we’ll explore the natural habitat, aquarium care, and breeding tips for keeping Scarlet Badis healthy and thriving.

Scarlet Badis in the Wild

Scarlet Badis are native to northern India, particularly in the waters of West Bengal and Assam. They are found in slow-moving, heavily vegetated streams, rivers, and ponds, where the water is often clear and relatively soft. These waters tend to have abundant plant life and provide plenty of hiding spots for the small fish.

In their natural habitat, Scarlet Badis are micro-predators, feeding on tiny invertebrates, insect larvae, and microorganisms. Their small size and specialized diet make them effective hunters of small prey in densely planted environments.

Appearance and Behavior

Scarlet Badis are renowned for their brilliant coloration. Males display vibrant shades of red and orange with vertical blue stripes along their body and fins, while females are more subdued in color, often appearing gray or pale orange. Males also tend to have slightly larger fins and a more territorial nature, especially during breeding.

These fish remain small, reaching only about 0.8 to 1 inch (2 to 2.5 cm) in length, making them ideal for nano or small aquariums. They are generally peaceful but can be shy, especially when first introduced to a new tank. Males may show territorial aggression towards one another, so it’s essential to provide adequate space and hiding spots to reduce conflicts.

Scarlet Badis prefer to explore the lower and middle levels of the tank, often hiding among plants and rocks. They are slow-moving and deliberate hunters, spending much of their time searching for small prey.

Aquarium Care for Scarlet Badis

Caring for Scarlet Badis requires attention to their specific dietary and environmental needs, but with proper care, they can be a stunning and rewarding addition to a nano or planted aquarium.

Tank Setup

• Tank Size: A 10-gallon tank is suitable for a small group of Scarlet Badis. Due to their small size and relatively low activity level, they do not require a large tank, but larger setups allow for more stable water parameters and territorial separation.
• Water Temperature: They thrive in water temperatures between 72°F and 79°F (22°C to 26°C).
• Water Parameters: Maintain soft, slightly acidic to neutral water, with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. The water hardness should be kept low, around 4 to 10 dGH.
• Filtration: A gentle filter is ideal, such as a sponge filter or a low-flow hang-on-back filter. Scarlet Badis do not enjoy strong currents, as they are accustomed to slow-moving waters in the wild.
• Aquascaping: A heavily planted tank with plenty of hiding spots and dense vegetation is essential. Floating plants can also be beneficial, as they provide shade and reduce light intensity, helping the fish feel more secure. Driftwood, caves, and rocks will create natural hiding spots that mimic their wild habitat.

Feeding

One of the biggest challenges with Scarlet Badis is their specialized diet. In the wild, they are micropredators, feeding on live, tiny invertebrates and insect larvae. In captivity, they may be picky eaters and prefer live or frozen foods over dry options.

• Staple Diet: Offer live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, microworms, bloodworms, or blackworms. Some Scarlet Badis may accept high-quality micro-pellets or finely crushed flakes, but this can vary by individual.
• Supplemental Food: It’s important to provide a variety of live or frozen foods to ensure their nutritional needs are met. Rotating between different types of foods can help keep them healthy and bring out their vibrant colors.
• Feeding Frequency: Feed them small portions once or twice a day. Only offer what they can consume in a few minutes to avoid excess food decomposing in the tank.

Tank Mates

Scarlet Badis are peaceful fish, but due to their small size and shy nature, they should be housed with similarly small, non-aggressive tank mates. Avoid keeping them with fast or aggressive species that may outcompete them for food.

Suitable tank mates include:

• Small rasboras (like Chili Rasboras)
• Small tetras
• Dwarf shrimp (though they may occasionally hunt baby shrimp)
• Otocinclus catfish
• Other peaceful nano fish

Male Scarlet Badis can become territorial, especially if more than one male is kept in a small tank. It’s best to keep one male with multiple females or ensure that males have enough space to establish separate territories.

Breeding Scarlet Badis

Breeding Scarlet Badis is relatively straightforward, especially in a well-maintained, species-specific tank. Males are known to become more vibrant and aggressive during the breeding season, as they prepare to attract females and defend spawning sites.

• Breeding Tank: A separate breeding tank of about 10 gallons with soft, slightly acidic water and dense vegetation will increase the chances of successful breeding. Include small caves or similar hiding spots for the fish to use as spawning sites.
• Spawning Behavior: Males will establish territories and attempt to attract females by displaying their vibrant colors and performing courtship dances. Once a female enters the male’s territory, the pair will spawn, and the eggs will be deposited inside a cave or crevice.
• Caring for Fry: After spawning, it’s best to remove the female, as the male will guard the eggs and become territorial. The eggs hatch in about 2-3 days, and the fry will be free-swimming after another 4-5 days. Feed the fry infusoria or liquid fry food initially, transitioning to baby brine shrimp as they grow.

Conclusion

The Scarlet Badis is a stunning, peaceful nano fish that adds a splash of color and interest to any well-planted aquarium. Although their care can be slightly more demanding due to their specialized diet and territorial nature, they are rewarding fish to keep for aquarists who enjoy small, delicate species. With the right environment and care, Scarlet Badis can thrive, providing a fascinating and vibrant addition to a nano or community tank. If you're looking for a unique, colorful fish with a calm temperament, the Scarlet Badis is an excellent choice.