"Add the colorful Scarlet Badis (Dario Dario) to your aquarium! These tiny, vibrant fish are perfect for nano tanks and add a splash of color and activity."

Overview: The Scarlet Badis (Dario dario), also known as the Rainbow Badis, is a small and vibrant freshwater fish native to the slow-moving waters of India and Bangladesh. These fish are highly prized among aquarists for their brilliant colors and unique behaviors. Scarlet Badis are ideal for nano tanks and are perfect for hobbyists looking to add a splash of color to their aquarium. Due to their specific care requirements, they are best suited for intermediate to advanced aquarists.

Appearance:

• Coloration: Males exhibit a dazzling array of colors, with bright red and blue stripes running vertically along their bodies, while females are generally less colorful, displaying a more subdued gray or brown hue.
• Body Shape: Scarlet Badis have a small, elongated body with slightly rounded fins. Males have more pronounced and colorful fins compared to females.
• Size: They are tiny fish, typically growing up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) in length.

Water Conditions: To ensure the health and vibrancy of Scarlet Badis, maintain the following water conditions:

• Temperature: 72-79°F (22-26°C).
• pH Range: 6.5-7.5.
• Water Hardness: 5-12 dGH.
• Tank Size: A minimum of 10 gallons is recommended, especially if keeping multiple individuals. Larger tanks provide more stable water conditions and ample hiding spots.

Tank Setup: Creating an ideal habitat for your Scarlet Badis involves several considerations:

• Substrate: Use a fine gravel or sandy substrate to mimic their natural riverbed environment.
• Decor: Include plenty of live plants, such as Java moss, Anubias, and Cryptocoryne, to provide hiding spots and create a naturalistic setting. Driftwood and rocks can also be added to create additional hiding places and territorial boundaries.
• Filtration: Use a gentle filter, as strong currents can stress these small fish. Sponge filters or hang-on-back filters with adjustable flow are ideal for maintaining water quality without creating excessive water movement.
• Lighting: Moderate lighting is sufficient to support plant growth and highlight the vibrant colors of the fish. Dim lighting can help them feel more secure and reduce stress.

Tank Mates: Scarlet Badis are peaceful but can be shy and territorial, particularly males. Choose tank mates carefully:

• Compatible Species: Small, peaceful fish such as small tetras, rasboras, and other small, non-aggressive fish. Shrimp and snails can also be good tank mates. Other bottom dwellers like pygmy corydoras are suitable as well.
• Incompatible Species: Avoid larger, aggressive fish or fin-nippers like barbs and cichlids that can harass or harm Scarlet Badis. Also, avoid other highly territorial fish.

Feeding Habit: Scarlet Badis are carnivorous with specific dietary needs. Providing a varied diet is crucial to keep them healthy and vibrant:

• Staple Diet: They often prefer live or frozen foods over dried foods. Offer foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, and other small invertebrates.
• Supplements: Occasionally provide finely chopped earthworms or tubifex worms.
• Vegetables: Scarlet Badis do not generally consume plant matter, so vegetables are not necessary for their diet.
• Feeding Frequency: Feed them 1-2 times a day in small portions to prevent overfeeding and maintain water quality. Be cautious about uneaten food, as they can be picky eaters.

Care and Maintenance: Regular care and maintenance are crucial for the well-being of your Scarlet Badis:

• Water Changes: Perform weekly water changes of 20-30% to keep water parameters stable and reduce waste buildup.
• Health Monitoring: Watch for signs of common fish diseases such as fin rot, ich, and parasitic infections. Early detection and treatment are vital.
• Behavioral Observation: Observe their behavior regularly. Healthy Scarlet Badis are active, exhibiting vibrant coloration and engaging in natural behaviors like hunting for food.

Breeding: Breeding Scarlet Badis can be a rewarding experience:

• Pair Selection: Choose healthy and vibrant pairs to enhance breeding success. Males are usually more colorful and have more pronounced fins than females.
• Spawning Environment: Set up a separate breeding tank with plenty of hiding spots and soft, acidic water. Fine-leaved plants or spawning mops can serve as egg-laying sites.
• Spawning Process: Condition the breeding pair with high-quality live or frozen foods. Males will display courtship behaviors to attract females. Once the eggs are laid, remove the adults to prevent them from eating the eggs.
• Fry Care: The eggs will hatch in about 2-3 days. Feed the fry infusoria or commercially available liquid fry food until they are large enough to eat micro worms or finely crushed flake food.