Scarlet Badis

Dario dario

Minimum Tank Size

5–10 gal

Temperature

72–79°F

PH

6.5–7.5

Adult Size

0.8 in

Temperament 

Shy, territorial micro-predator

Care Difficulty

Advanced

Diet & Feeding

Provide a varied species-appropriate diet using a quality staple plus supplemental foods that match natural feeding behavior. Avoid overfeeding.

Care Instructions

Keep conditions stable around 72–79°F with suitable chemistry. Account for adult size, behavior, bioload, and escape risk where relevant.

Flow & Filtration

Use mature biological filtration and appropriate oxygenation/flow. Keep ammonia and nitrite at zero and manage nitrate through routine water changes.

Planted Tank Suitability

Plant compatibility varies with digging, grazing, size, and water chemistry. Use hardy or protected plants when necessary.

Tank Mate Compatibility

Good Tank Mates
  • Small Shrimp with caution
  • Tiny Rasboras

Use Caution 
  • Other Male Scarlet Badis

Avoid
  • Large Fish
  • Aggressive Feeders

Compatibility Notes

Often reluctant to accept dry food; thrives with tiny live/frozen foods and low competition.

Breeding Notes

Breeding strategy varies by species; provide appropriate spawning sites and separate fry or young when necessary.