Can Betta Macrostoma and Scarlet Badis Live Together?
Betta Macrostoma and Scarlet Badis are not recommended as tank mates due to conflicting pH requirements and piscivorous fish will prey on nano-sized tank mates.. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.
At a Glance
Can your tank handle Betta Macrostoma and Scarlet Badis?
Compatibility is only part of the answer. Test both fish with your real tank size, current stock, and maintenance needs to see if you have enough space and a safe stocking level before you add them.
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Behaviour & Temperament
Betta Macrostoma is a moderately assertive species (6/10), while Scarlet Badis is generally mild-mannered (3/10). This modest difference means Betta Macrostoma may occasionally assert dominance over Scarlet Badis.
Betta Macrostoma and Scarlet Badis both frequent the Middle (Open Water) and Bottom (Substrate) region of the setup. This overlap can increase competition for space, so providing ample room and cover is important to keep both species comfortable.
There is a critical concern: the Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish) behaviour of one fish directly conflicts with the Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk) trait of the other — piscivorous fish will prey on nano-sized tank mates..
Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Two territorial species may clash over territory, especially in smaller tanks. Shrimp eaters may also prey on very small nano fish.
Worth noting: Betta Macrostoma is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.
Water Parameters
The safe temperature window for both species falls between 20°C and 25°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 22.5°C) for optimal comfort.
The pH requirements of Betta Macrostoma (4–6) and Scarlet Badis (6.5–8.5) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.
For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 4–5 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.
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Tank Setup
To house Betta Macrostoma and Scarlet Badis together, plan for an aquarium of at least 80 litres with a minimum length of 60 cm. This recommendation combines the stricter species minimums with a community-load allowance so the pairing has realistic long-term space and filtration headroom.
Providing a mix of open swimming space and sheltered areas with rocks, driftwood, or plants will keep both species comfortable and allow natural behaviour.
Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Leaf Litter/Blackwater, Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Plants - Floating, Plants - Densely covered, Plants - lighly covered, Sand (Sifters). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.
Both species do well with low (still water) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.
Suitable Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Betta Macrostoma and Scarlet Badis.
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
36 Gallon Bowfront
40 Gallon Breeder
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
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Diet & Feeding
Feeding time deserves special attention with this pairing. Betta Macrostoma is a known shrimp eater and may prey on small invertebrates or nano fish like Scarlet Badis.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can Betta Macrostoma and Scarlet Badis live together?
No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as critical behavioural conflicts — make cohabitation unsafe.
What size tank do Betta Macrostoma and Scarlet Badis need?
A minimum of 80 litres (tank length at least 60 cm) is recommended. This provides enough space for both species to establish their own areas and reduces the likelihood of territorial disputes.
What water temperature is best for Betta Macrostoma and Scarlet Badis together?
Keep the aquarium between 20°C and 25°C. A target of around 22.5°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.
Are Betta Macrostoma or Scarlet Badis aggressive?
Betta Macrostoma is moderately assertive (6/10) and Scarlet Badis is generally mild-mannered (3/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.
What pH do Betta Macrostoma and Scarlet Badis need?
Their pH requirements do not overlap. Betta Macrostoma prefers 4–6, while Scarlet Badis needs 6.5–8.5. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.
How do I manage Betta Macrostoma's territorial behaviour?
Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Betta Macrostoma space to claim a territory without encroaching on the other fish's area. Adding décor that divides the tank into distinct zones works especially well.
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