One of the smallest known aquarium fish, resembling a tiny jewel. Males display brilliant vertical red and iridescent blue stripes. While beautiful, they are known for being extremely picky eaters, often refusing dry foods and requiring live or frozen micro-foods (Daphnia, Baby Brine Shrimp). Males act like tiny Cichlids and will stake out territories.
Scarlet Badis At a Glance
Scarlet Badis Tank Requirements
Will Scarlet Badis fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Scarlet Badis needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Scarlet Badis against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Useful setup supplies
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Scarlet Badis Water Parameters
Water care products
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Scarlet Badis Temperament & Compatibility
Scarlet Badis Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Male (Standard)
The form almost exclusively found in stores. Brilliant red and blue stripes. Highly territorial toward other males. Requires complex hiding spots to coexist with other males.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Red, Show Male
Female
Rarely seen in the trade. Smaller, plain silver/grey, and lacks the vibrant vertical stripes. Essential for breeding. Can be kept in groups or harems with a male.
Differs in 3 traits from base species
Scarlet Badis Care Guide Summary
The Scarlet Badis, scientifically known as Dario dario, belongs to the Other family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 2 cm and have a compressed body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as mostly peaceful, this species primarily occupies the mid-level and bottom zones of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Scarlet Badis requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 20 litres and a tank length of at least 30 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 18°C and 26°C, with a pH range of 6.5–8.5 and a general hardness of 4–20 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Scarlet Badis is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. This species is available in 2 varieties: Male (Standard) and Female. Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Scarlet Badis Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Scarlet Badis, a low water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the mid-level and bottom zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement and sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include a sand substrate to accommodate their sifting behaviour, light plant coverage for partial shade, and dense planting to provide cover, break sightlines, and reduce stress.
Scarlet Badis Compatibility Notes
Classified as mostly peaceful, the Scarlet Badis is adaptable and can be kept singly or in a small group, offering flexibility when planning a community tank. When choosing tankmates, ornamental shrimp are not safe companions, conspecific aggression can be intense, especially in smaller tanks, territorial behaviour may cause issues if hiding spots or floor space are limited, and boisterous or fast-moving tankmates may cause this species undue stress. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level and bottom zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Scarlet Badis Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Scarlet Badis.
10 Gallon Standard
15 Gallon Standard
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
Show 26 more tank sizes
Scarlet Badis Feeding & Diet Considerations
The Scarlet Badis will hunt and eat ornamental shrimp, making it unsuitable for shrimp-focused setups and will eat fry, so breeding efforts in the same tank are unlikely to succeed.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Scarlet Badis
How big does Scarlet Badis get?
Scarlet Badis (Dario dario) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 2 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Scarlet Badis need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 20 litres and a tank length of at least 30 cm are recommended for Scarlet Badis. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Scarlet Badis need?
Scarlet Badis thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 18–26°C, a pH between 6.5 and 8.5, and a general hardness of 4–20 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Is Scarlet Badis peaceful or aggressive?
Scarlet Badis is classified as mostly peaceful with an aggression score of 3 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
Can Scarlet Badis live alone?
Yes, Scarlet Badis can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Is Scarlet Badis safe with shrimp?
No. Scarlet Badis is known to eat ornamental shrimp and is not recommended for shrimp tanks. Even larger shrimp species like Amano Shrimp may be at risk.
Does Scarlet Badis have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Scarlet Badis benefits from plants - densely covered, plants - lighly covered, and sand (sifters) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Top Tank Mates for Scarlet Badis
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Scarlet Badis based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Marbled Hatchetfish
Carnegiella strigata
Ideal Tank MatesMarbled Whiptail
Loricaria simillima
Ideal Tank MatesCrying Whiptail
Loricaria sp. "Rio Atabapo"
Ideal Tank MatesLoricaria pumila (Dwarf Whiptail Catfish)
Loricaria pumila
Ideal Tank MatesParnahyba Whiptail Catfish
Loricaria parnahybae
Ideal Tank MatesLoricaria lentiginosa
Loricaria lentiginosa
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Scarlet Badis
These plants pair well with Scarlet Badis based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Beckett's Water Trumpet
Cryptocoryne beckettii
Broad-leaved Crypt
Cryptocoryne pontederiifolia
Carolina Fanwort
Cabomba caroliniana
Crypt Wendtii
Cryptocoryne wendtii
Cryptocoryne Lutea
Cryptocoryne walkeri var. lutea
Dwarf Crypt
Cryptocoryne parva
Fish Similar to Scarlet Badis
Badis (Chameleon Fish)
Badis badis
Known as the Chameleon Fish due to its ability to rapidly change color based on mood, environment, and dominance. They are deliberate, slow-moving micro-predators that often refuse dry flakes or pellets, requiring a diet of live or frozen foods (bloodworms, daphnia). They are notorious for decimating dwarf shrimp and small snail populations.
Bumblebee Goby (Brackish)
Brachygobius xanthozonus
A miniature, bottom-dwelling goby famous for its striking black and yellow stripes. While they are often sold as freshwater fish and can survive in it temporarily, they are highly susceptible to fungal infections in fresh water and truly require a brackish setup (SG 1.002-1.005) to thrive long-term. They are notoriously picky eaters, often ignoring flakes in favor of live or frozen foods (like bloodworms or brine shrimp).
Honey Gourami
Trichogaster chuna
The smallest and most peaceful member of the Trichogaster genus. Ideally suited for planted nano aquariums. Unlike the aggressive Dwarf Gourami (*T. lalius*), Honey Gouramis are timid and gentle. True Honey Gouramis rarely exceed 5cm. Note: Many bright red fish sold as 'Red Honey' or 'Red Robin' are actually Thick-lipped Gouramis (*T. labiosa*), which grow larger.
Moonlight Gourami
Trichogaster microlepis
A gracefully sloping, large labyrinth fish characterized by its beautiful, iridescent silvery sheen and exceptionally long, thread-like ventral fins (feelers). While peaceful and somewhat timid, they are notorious for nibbling on soft-leaved and fine aquarium plants. They require access to the surface to breathe atmospheric air.
Finger Fish
Monodactylus argenteus
The Silver Mono, or Finger Fish, is a stunning, fast-moving schooling fish known for its shiny, diamond-shaped body. They are euryhaline; juveniles inhabit freshwater or brackish estuaries, but adults require high-end brackish or full marine setups to thrive. They are active, voracious eaters that must be kept in groups to curb fin-nipping and internal aggression.
Golden Dwarf Cichlid
Nannacara anomala
A striking South American dwarf cichlid known for its metallic sheen and fascinating behavior. While generally peaceful and excellent for community tanks, they exhibit extreme sexual dimorphism. Females are infamous for becoming hyper-aggressive 'terrors' when guarding eggs or fry, willing to attack fish many times their size.