Introducing the Dario dario, also called the Badis Scarlet, a petite yet eye-catching fish that is ideal for those who enjoy miniature art. These colorful little fish are indigenous to Bangladeshi and Indian rivers, and they look amazing in any freshwater aquarium. They add a pop of color to your tank and live up to their nickname thanks to their striking red and blue coloring.
The comparatively small size of the Badis Scarlet is one of their most endearing features. These fish, which reach a maximum length of one inch, are perfect for smaller aquariums where larger species might not fit. They are small, but they have a lot of personality, and they are frequently seen darting around their tank to display their brilliant colors.
Although they need some attention when kept, Dario dario fish are typically resilient. Their ideal tank should have plenty of hiding places, be densely planted, and have a mild current. They feel more at ease in these surroundings because they imitate their natural habitat. They also make excellent companions for other small, non-aggressive fish because of their calm disposition.
The Badis Scarlet offers a lovely and doable way to add some color and character to your aquarium, regardless of your level of experience with aquaristy. Their distinct look and captivating nature will make them a hit in any aquatic environment.
Description
Ralph Britz discovered the genus Dario in 2002, and it has since been included in the fish taxonomy. That being said, the most common species of Dario dario has been identified since 1822, when the Scottish biologist Francis Buchanan-Hamilton made the discovery.
The fish’s body length is only 2.5 cm, making it a small fish.
An adult’s physical appearance described:
- The body is oblong;
- The head is small;
- The mouth is small;
- The eyes are large;
- The fins are rounded (except for the pointed pectoral fins);
- The scales are large, with dark edges, creating a visual mesh effect on the body.
The primary outward traits pertain to the hues of the species’ representatives. Compared to females, males are more handsome and intelligent; they possess:
- The scales are silvery, iridescent, with vertical red stripes;
- Each eye is crossed by two thin dark stripes;
- The fins are rich red, the anal and dorsal fins are decorated with a thin pale blue border.
Female coloring is significantly more subdued:
- The scales are greenish-gray;
- The stripes on the sides are short, gray, barely noticeable;
- Some individuals have a slightly reddish abdomen;
- The fins are transparent with a smoky tint.
Upkeep and attention to detail
Thirty liters is the ideal aquarium size for a family consisting of one male and three females. Despite this, the fish in a 15-20 l tank seem content. Enough for one male and two females is 10–15 liters.
The male separates the aquarium area into multiple smaller sections, keeps watch over them, and is suspicious of strangers. Only during mating season does the female approach the male’s territory; otherwise, if she happens to wander into an area that is occupied by someone else, the owner has the right to punish or remove her.
Dario only comes to the surface of the water to feed, preferring to swim in the middle and bottom zones.
Water parameters
Ideal water conditions for Dario:
- Temperature – 23 – 26 ° C;
- Hardness is low or medium – 10 – 20 ° dGH;
- Acidity 6.5 – 7.5 pH.
Although they are not very particular about the conditions of their aquatic habitat, badis require filtration and aeration. Every week, a third of the water in the aquarium needs to be changed.
There shouldn’t be any air shortage for the fish. A 30 liter tank is equipped with a compressor device that can run 30 liters per hour and a filter that has a capacity of 30 to 40 W.
The water may need to be heated to the ideal temperature in the winter because the fish are tropical. For this, a specialized aquarium heater is bought.
Lighting
Dario’s natural environment has 10 to 12 hours of daylight. The aquarium should be set up with identical conditions. If more lighting is needed, more sources can be added. But diffused light, not bright light, is what’s needed.
Vegetation
Dario is at ease in an aquarium that is heavily planted with both floating and submerged plants. In addition to being decorative, vegetation provides small fish with a place to live.
- Salvinia;
- Vallisneria;
- Thailand fern;
- Hygrophila;
- Cryptocoryne;
- Java moss;
- Anubias.
Decor
It’s crucial to leave room in your aquarium setup for the shelters where the male will court the female during the breeding season. You can use ceramics, driftwood, and big stones to construct caverns.
The aquarium’s soil is either fine gravel or sand.
The red badger is a tiny predator. It is fed dry or live food at home. For the fish to be able to swallow the food, it is imperative that the particles be small.
Dario eats tubifex, cyclops, brine shrimp, and daphnia voluntarily. However, they typically reject flakes.
The tiny but gorgeous freshwater fish Dario dario, also referred to as the Badis Scarlet, enlivens any aquarium with its brilliant color and charming personality. This species, which is well-known for its vivid red and blue colors, is a fantastic option for both novice and seasoned fish hobbyists because it is not only aesthetically pleasing but also reasonably simple to maintain. This article will help you create a healthy habitat for this stunning species by examining the special qualities of the Badis Scarlet, such as its diet, ideal tank conditions, and compatibility with other fish.
| Characteristic | Details |
| Scientific Name | Dario dario |
| Common Name | Scarlet Badis |
| Size | Up to 2 cm (0.8 inches) |
| Temperament | Peaceful but territorial |
| Diet | Small live or frozen foods |
| Water Temperature | 22-27°C (72-80°F) |
| pH Level | 6.5-7.5 |
| Tank Size | Minimum 20 liters (5 gallons) |
| Origin | India, Bangladesh |
| Care Level | Moderate |
The Badis Scarlet, also referred to as the Dario dario, is an exquisite addition to any freshwater aquarium. This little fish is incredibly visually striking for its small size, especially with its vivid red and blue colors. They’re a favorite among aquarium enthusiasts who want to add a pop of color and pattern to their tanks because of their striking colors and distinctive patterns.
When their basic needs are met, Badis Scarlets have an eye-catching appearance and are relatively easy to care for. They enjoy a varied diet that includes both live and frozen foods, and they grow well in well-planted tanks with gentle water flow. Though the males can be a little territorial, these fish are generally peaceful, so keeping them in an appropriate habitat with lots of hiding places helps keep the peace.
To sum up, the Dario dario is an excellent option for fish keepers of all skill levels. Their peaceful disposition, easy care needs, and eye-catching hues make them a wonderful addition to a community tank. These adorable little fish will brighten up your aquarium and become a treasured part of your aquatic setup with the right care.
