Not furry, but we like them anyway.
Scarlet Badis
Dario dario
Also called Badis badis bengalensis (trade name), Badis bengalensis (trade name)
A slow, shy fish that is easily outcompeted by bigger tankmates.
| Size | Tiny |
|---|---|
| Length | 1.5 to 2 cm (1 to 1 in)123 |
| Coat | Tiny, deep-bodied scaled fish |
| Origin | India, in streams feeding the Brahmaputra River in West Bengal and Assam, possibly reaching Bhutan.231 |
| Last checked | 2026-09-30 |
Personality what they are like
A slow, shy fish that is easily outcompeted by bigger tankmates. Males can squabble with each other, so give them space.2
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Scarlet Badis. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
- FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
- Water testevery week
- Glass cleanevery week
- Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month
Looks how to spot one
Tiny, deep-bodied scaled fish
One of the smallest perch-like fishes. Males grow longer fins as they mature, while females are smaller with a shorter, stubbier body.23
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Moves slowly among plants, picking off tiny live food.2
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Temperature 18-26 C, pH 6.5-8.5, hardness 1-15 dGH. Clear, clean water.2
Home where they are happiest
At least a 45 x 30 cm footprint (about 41 litres). Thick planting over sand or fine gravel, mirroring the clear, shallow, weedy streams it lives in.23
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A micropredator. Prefers small live or frozen foods such as baby brine shrimp, daphnia and microworms.23
Company who they like around
Best in a species tank or with very small peaceful fish; one male with several females, or several males in a larger tank.2
The story where it all began
Hamilton first described the fish in 1822. It was long placed in the genus Badis and sold under names like Badis bengalensis, until 2002 when it became the type species of its own genus, Dario.213
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List (via FishBase)
- Data Deficient (assessed 2010).1
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Scarlet Badis?
Feed your Scarlet Badis small amounts once or twice a day. Pet Wiki's starting plan is to feed daily, but watch that they eat everything quickly.2 Pet Wiki plan
What does a Scarlet Badis eat, and what should it never eat?
They are micropredators that love small live or frozen foods like baby brine shrimp, daphnia, and microworms. Never feed them large or dry foods they cannot eat, as they may refuse them.23
How much space does a Scarlet Badis need?
They need at least a 45 x 30 cm footprint, which is about 41 litres. Provide thick planting over sand or fine gravel to mimic their natural weedy streams.23
What temperature, light or water does a Scarlet Badis need?
Keep water temperature between 18-26°C, pH 6.5-8.5, and hardness 1-15 dGH. They need clear, clean water with gentle lighting and plenty of plants.2
How often should I clean a Scarlet Badis's home?
Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a 25% water change weekly, along with weekly glass cleaning and water testing. Rinse the filter monthly in old tank water, never tap water. Pet Wiki plan
Can a Scarlet Badis live with others?
They are best in a species tank or with very small peaceful fish. One male with several females works well, or several males in a larger tank, but males can squabble.2
How long does a Scarlet Badis live?
Their lifespan varies and is not specified in the provided information. For accurate details, ask a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet.
Can I handle a Scarlet Badis?
No, you should not handle them. They are delicate, shy fish that need a calm environment with plenty of plants to feel secure.2
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Peacock GudgeonWhere this comes from
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.
- FishBase: Dario dario fishbase.seused for size, IUCN, colour bars, author
- Seriously Fish: Dario dario seriouslyfish.comused for size, range, care, behaviour, diet, history
- Wikipedia: Dario dario en.wikipedia.orgused for size, range, fun facts
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.