Description
Key Features:
- Appearance: Brilliant scarlet red body with bright orange hues and vertical stripes; males display more vivid colors compared to females.
- Size: Grows up to 1 inch (2.5 cm), ideal for nano tanks.
- Behavior: Peaceful and shy fish, best kept in species-specific tanks or with non-aggressive tank mates.
Care Guidelines:
- Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons with plenty of hiding spots.
- Water Temperature: 72° – 79°F (22° – 26°C).
- pH Range: 6.5 – 7.5.
- Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (GH 4-12).
Diet:
Scarlet Red Badis are micropredators and prefer live or frozen foods:
- Bloodworms.
- Daphnia.
- Brine shrimp.
- Tubifex worms.
- They may accept high-quality micro-pellets and flake food but thrive on protein-rich live options.
Behavior and Tank Mates:
- Best kept in a species-only tank or with small, peaceful fish like celestial pearl danios or shrimp.
- Avoid larger or aggressive tank mates that might outcompete them for food.
- Males can display territorial behavior, so ensure sufficient space and hiding spots for each.
