Scarlet Badis

Dario dario

Also sold as Scarlet gem badis

Scarlet Badis (Dario dario) is a semi-aggressive freshwater fish that reaches about 2 cm (0.8 in) and swims in open water. It wants 64–79°F (18–26°C) and pH 6.5–8.5, can be kept singly, and needs a tank of at least 41 L (11 gal).

At a glance

Type	Fish
Adult size	2 cm (0.8 in)
Minimum tank	41 L (11 gal)
Group size	Can be kept singly
Temperature	64–79°F (18–26°C)
pH	6.5–8.5
Temperament	Semi-aggressive
Lifespan	3–6 years
Eats shrimp	Shrimplets only

Before it goes in

Scarlet Badis needs at least 41 L (11 gal). The smallest size in this library that clears that is the 15 Gallon.
Adult shrimp are safe; shrimplets will be eaten, so a shrimp colony will not grow in the same tank.
It is the wrong size to share a tank with Goldfish, Angelfish and Axolotl: it ends up as food.
It holds at 64–79°F (18–26°C). That shares a window with Betta and Cherry Shrimp, but not with Discus.
It is semi-aggressive — plan the tank around it rather than adding it to a finished community.

What tank size does it need?

At least 41 L (11 gal). The smallest size here that clears it is the 15 Gallon.

Will it eat shrimp?

Adults are safe, shrimplets are not. You can keep shrimp with it; you just will not get a growing colony.

What water does it want?

64–79°F (18–26°C), pH 6.5–8.5.

How long does it live?

3–6 years in a tank that suits it. That is how long you are signing up for.

Good tank mates

Tank mates from this library that share its temperature window, are peaceful and eat neither it nor its young: Cherry Shrimp, Bristlenose Pleco, Celestial Pearl Danio, Molly and Otocinclus.
Plants that hold up with it: Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis', Water Sprite, Anubias nana 'Petite' and Cryptocoryne wendtii.

Often compared with

	Scarlet Badis	Chili Rasbora	Ember Tetra
Adult size	2 cm	2 cm	2 cm
Min tank	41 L	30 L	30 L
Group	1+	10+	8+
Temperature	64–79°F (18–26°C)	72–82°F (22–28°C)	73–82°F (23–28°C)
Eats shrimp	Shrimplets only	Shrimplets only	Shrimplets only

More livestock

Plan a tank with Scarlet Badis →

Sources (4) · checked Sep 2026