Scarlet Badis

Remarks:  Scarlet badis are a gem of a nano fish with their bright red bodies and fins accented by electric blue stripes and edges. The amount of color packed into such a tiny fish is truly impressive. Males use this bright color to court females that are notably duller, usually being mostly tan. As territorial battles amongst these tiny fish can get very violent, sometimes less dominant males will pretend to be females by also displaying muted colors so they are less likely to be attacked. 

  In the wild, these fish can be found in shallow, blackwater pools and streams in India. The water in these pools is very warm, mildly acidic, soft, and full of botanicals such as fallen leaves and seed pods. These botanicals provide a habitat that supports a wide variety of tiny worms and crustaceans that scarlet badis feed on. While tiny, these little fish are voracious in their hunting of these small organisms so they are often referred to as micro predators. This makes them a poor choice to keep alongside cherry shrimp as they will hunt down baby shrimplets and if hungry and bold enough, occasionally take down full grown shrimp! Since they can be rather picky and have very fast metabolisms, scarlet badis should be fed small, live foods such as moina or baby brine shrimp at least daily if not multiple times a day.

  Care should also be taken when choosing tankmates as most fish will either attempt to eat the scarlet badis or will frighten it as they are very timid. Most do best when kept as pairs in a species-only tank. One can be kept in a 5 gallon, while a pair or more will require a 10 gallon or larger. Due to their need for live foods and cryptic nature, they are not a good beginner fish. However, for the more experienced keeper, they are well worth the effort once they begin to show their intense colors and inquisitive personalities.