Care Level: Moderate

Temperament: Peaceful

Live Plant Safe: Yes

General Description: The Scarlet Badis is a true micro gem of the freshwater hobby, endemic to streams of India. As their name suggests, Scarlet badis are a stunning red color with contrasting neon blue stripes. Only males are typically brought in for the aquarium trade, as females do not have any of the striking red or blue coloration. Thus, it is best to keep only a single male per aquarium as they can be quite aggressive toward one another, unless the aquarium foot print is large enough for each male to have their own territory. An adult Scarlet badis can reach a size of approximately 0.5 – 0.75″.

Diet Requirements: Scarlet badis are carnivores. A diet made up of high quality frozen foods such as brine shrimp, cyclops, insect larvae and daphnia should be offered. Less emphasis should be placed on protein-based flake foods and sinking micro pellet foods; many individuals may not accept these. Some research suggests that bloodworms should be fed very sparingly, as it can cause obesity in badis fish. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your fish.

Care Requirements: A minimum 10 gallon aquarium is ideal for a Scarlet badis. Size up accordingly if you’d like to house multiple males. This species should not be put into a biologically immature aquarium as Scarlet badis are intolerable of nitrite or ammonia spikes. Weekly water changes are encouraged to keep water parameters pristine (Nitrates < 20 ppm), as a Scarlet badis will not endure deteriorating water parameters well. The aquarium should be aquascaped with a soft substrate, rocks, driftwood and vegetation (live plants are preferred) with some floating plants to dim the aquarium lighting. Scarlet badis are extremely peaceful and rarely conflict with tank mates. Their very small size and slow-moving nature makes selecting other tank mates important as to not have your Scarlet badis outcompeted, particularly in food resources. Mix it with other peaceful nano-type species such as Celestial Pearl Danio (Danio margaritatus), Neon Blue Danio (Sundadanio axelrodi), Exclamation Point Rasbora (Boraras urophthalmoides), Chili Rasbora (Boraras brigittae), and Pygmy Cory (Corydoras pygmaeus). Scarlet badis may be questionable with Neocaridina shrimps but are not a threat to any other invertebrate. Recommended water conditions, 72-82° F, KH 2-15, pH 6.5-8.5.

Purchase Size: Medium: 1/2”

Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.