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The Scarlet Badis, scientifically known as *Dario dario*, is an absolute jewel among freshwater aquarium fish, renowned for its breathtakingly vibrant coloration packed into an incredibly tiny package. Males are particularly stunning, displaying an intense scarlet-red body adorned with iridescent vertical blue-green bands that shimmer under proper lighting, often complemented by similarly colored accents in their fins. Females, while more subdued, still possess attractive, though less fiery, patterning. These diminutive micropredators typically reach a maximum size of just under an inch, making them perfect inhabitants for nano aquariums (5-10 gallons for a small group or a breeding pair).Despite their beauty, Scarlet Badis are not for the absolute beginner. They thrive in heavily planted tanks with a dark substrate, plenty of hiding spots among fine-leaved plants like Java moss or riccia, and calm water flow. Their dietary needs are specific; they are obligate micropredators and will rarely accept flake or pellet foods. A diet consisting primarily of live or frozen foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp nauplii, cyclops, grindal worms, and microworms is essential for their health and vibrant coloration. In fact, providing consistent live food often unlocks their best colors and encourages breeding.Temperament-wise, they are generally peaceful but can be territorial towards other males of their own species, especially in smaller tanks without adequate line-of-sight breaks. They are extremely shy and can be easily outcompeted for food by more boisterous tank mates, making a species-only tank or a very carefully selected community with similarly small, peaceful, and slow-moving fish (like certain very small rasboras) the ideal setup. With their challenging yet rewarding care, the Scarlet Badis truly offers an unparalleled splash of color and fascinating behavior for the dedicated aquarist.

Tiny, males can be territorial with each other.