Black Tiger Dario

Species Profile

• Scientific Name: Dario sp. (commonly Dario dario)
• Common Name: Red Dario / Scarlet Badis
• Adult Size: ~2 cm (0.8 inches)
• Life Expectancy: 3–4 years (with proper care)

• Habitat: Slow-moving streams, forested rivers, and shallow waters in Northeast India (especially West Bengal)

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons (for a small group; 5 gallons for a single male)
• Ideal Temperature: 22–28°C (72–82°F)
• pH Range: 6.5–7.5
• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (2–15 dGH)
• Temperament: Peaceful; males can be territorial with each other, especially in small tanks

Diet & Nutrition

• Omnivorous: Yes, but strongly prefers live or frozen protein-rich foods
  • Favorite foods include: daphnia, brine shrimp, microworms, bloodworms

  • May reject flakes and pellets unless trained over time

Appearance

• Color: Bright red body with vertical blue or dark striping
• Size: Tiny and slender

  Sexual Dimorphism:

  • Males: Brighter color, larger fins, more vibrant, and territorial

  • Females: Smaller, duller coloration, rounder bellies

Distinctive Features

• Tiny size and vivid coloration make them ideal for nano tanks
• Labyrinth organ absent, unlike many anabantoids
• Displays complex courtship and territorial behavior in males
• Best kept in species-only or carefully selected community tanks due to their shyness and feeding habits