Not furry, but we like them anyway.

Scarlet Badis

Dario dario

Also called Badis badis bengalensis (trade name), Badis bengalensis (trade name)

SpeciesShort profile

From India, in streams feeding the Brahmaputra River in West Bengal and Assam, possibly reaching Bhutan.1 2 3

At a glance the quick version

Length1.5 to 2 cm3 1 2

Sizetiny

Brilliant colour in a tiny package

Ideal for nano tanks

Interesting, deliberate hunting style

1 2

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.1 2

Coloursscarlet red (males)seven iridescent blue vertical bars (males)plain silvery-beige (females)1 3

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.1

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Moves slowly among plants, picking off tiny live food.1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Temperature 18-26 C, pH 6.5-8.5, hardness 1-15 dGH. Clear, clean water.1

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.1 2

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A micropredator. Prefers small live or frozen foods such as baby brine shrimp, daphnia and microworms.1 2

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.1

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.1 3 2

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
It is among the smallest perch-like (percoid) fishes known.2
2
Males can be recognised by seven glittering blue bars along the side.1
3
Its eggs hatch in only about 2-3 days.1

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List (via FishBase): Data Deficient (assessed 2010).3

The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you

A typical home-care rhythm for a Scarlet Badis. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.

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

Start a free diary

Badis

Peacock Gudgeon

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Where this comes from

Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.

Seriously Fish: Dario dario seriouslyfish.comused for size, range, care, behaviour, diet, history
Wikipedia: Dario dario en.wikipedia.orgused for size, range, fun facts
FishBase: Dario dario fishbase.seused for size, IUCN, colour bars, author

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.