Dario dario var. Myanmar Black Tiger- Dario dario distribution
Family: Badidae;
Genus: Dario;
Species and synonyms: Scarlet Badis (Dario dario, Scarlet Badis, Scarlet Dario, Perca-duende-vermelha).
GBIF:
Scarlet Badis (lat. Dario dario) is a species of ray-finned fish from the order Perciformes, family Badidae, genus Dario. One of the smallest and brightest aquarium fish, known for its intense red coloration.
Distribution. The natural range of the Scarlet Badis covers rivers and streams of India and Bangladesh, mainly in the Brahmaputra and Ganges river basins. The fish prefer slow-moving waters with sandy or muddy bottoms, often found in small rivers, streams and floodplain lakes with dense vegetation.
Care requirements. The Scarlet Badis is a dwarf fish that grows up to 2–3 cm in the aquarium. To keep a group (minimum 5–6 specimens), an aquarium of at least 30 liters with a length of 40 cm is recommended. It is important to keep them in a species-only aquarium with plenty of shelters. Optimal water parameters: temperature 24–28°C, hardness 5–15 dGH, pH 6.0–7.5. Filtration with moderate flow, aeration and weekly water changes of 20–25% are necessary. Sandy or fine gravel substrate, driftwood, stones and plenty of shelters are placed at the bottom. Plants are planted in the substrate, creating dense thickets.
Scarlet Badis are predators, feeding on small invertebrates, worms and insect larvae in the wild. In the aquarium, their diet should consist of live and frozen foods (small bloodworms, tubifex, brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops). It is important to provide protein-rich food. Feed should be 1–2 times a day in small portions.
In the aquarium, Scarlet Badis are active in the lower and middle water layers. They are territorial and aggressive towards conspecifics and other fish. It is recommended to keep them in a species-only aquarium with plenty of shelters. It is not recommended to keep them with slow-moving or small fish, as well as with fish that may compete for food.
Breeding in home aquariums is possible under proper conditions. Scarlet Badis are egg-laying fish, spawning on plant leaves, driftwood or fine substrates. They reach sexual maturity at 6–8 months. To stimulate spawning, water changes with fresh, soft and slightly acidic water, with a temperature increase to 28°C, are recommended. The male guards the eggs. Eggs incubate for 3–5 days, fry are fed infusoria, Artemia nauplii and fine dry food.
The Scarlet Badis gets its name from its bright coloration: the male's body is intensely red or orange with dark vertical stripes. Females are more subdued in color, greyish-yellow. It is one of the smallest and brightest aquarium fish, suitable for nano-aquariums. Life expectancy is 3–5 years.