What size tank does a scarlet badis need?
At least 10 gallons (38 liters). The smallest standard tank that works is the 10 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable. We give the size for an adult fish, because the small fish in the shop will grow. Scientific name: Dario dario.
How many scarlet badis in each tank size?
This is how many each standard tank carries comfortably if scarlet badis are the only fish in it. Share the tank with other species and the number goes down.
| Tank | How many scarlet badis |
|---|---|
| 5 gallon | Too small |
| 10 gallon | 1 |
| 20 gallon long | up to 3 |
| 29 gallon | up to 5 |
| 40 gallon breeder | up to 7 |
| 55 gallon | up to 10 |
| 75 gallon | up to 14 |
| 125 gallon | up to 24 |
Check scarlet badis against your own tank and other fish
Good to know
- Often takes only live or frozen food.
Tank mates for scarlet badis
These animals like the same water, are a safe size, and have a temper that fits. It is a match on paper: always watch new tankmates for the first week.
Poor matches
- Angelfish: Angelfish (about 6 in) can eat scarlet badis (about 0.8 in).
- Fancy goldfish: Goldfish do best with other fancy goldfish.
- Oscar: Oscar is aggressive and will bully or kill peaceful fish such as scarlet badis.
- Molly: Molly (about 4 in) can eat scarlet badis (about 0.8 in).
Questions and answers
What size tank does a scarlet badis need?
At least 10 gallons (38 liters). The smallest standard tank that works is the 10 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.
How many scarlet badis should be kept together?
One is fine. A scarlet badis does not need company, though a large enough tank can hold more than one.
Can scarlet badis live in a 10 gallon tank?
Yes. One scarlet badis does well in a 10 gallon tank.
What temperature do scarlet badis need?
72–79 °F (22–26 °C), with a pH of 6.5–7.5. In most homes that means a heater.
Can scarlet badis live with a betta?
Usually, yes, in a tank of 10 gallons (38 liters) or more. They like the same water: 75–79 °F (24–26 °C). Every betta has its own temper, so watch closely for the first week and have a spare tank ready.
More fish
- Chinese algae eater
- Rubber lip pleco
- Peacock gudgeon
- Black ghost knifefish
- Tinfoil barb
- Iridescent shark
- All 118 species
Adult size, tank size and water ranges follow the mainstream care consensus (Seriously Fish species profiles and FishBase maximum lengths). Where sources differ we use the more cautious figure. Stocking numbers come from our stocking calculator.