Scarlet Badis

[Laura]

http://www.tropicalfishkeeping.com/profiles/scarlet-badis/

I just got a group of these, and all I can say is 'Wow'.

They are stunning (well the males anyways), curious and one of those fish that you feel is intelligent. One minute after I popped them in the tank, one was at the front staring at me.

I got 4 and went back tonight and picked up another 3. I tried to pick 3 males and 4 females, but I understand that it is common for the dealers to only ship males, so we'll see if I luck out.

They don't come in too often, so wanted a nice little group. They'll be going in my 15 gallon with my other tiny fish. They are certainly deliberate feeders and some are out scrutinizing surfaces all the time. They have no interest in flake, but seem okay with very small frozen food. I also have microworms to feed them, so should be able to keep them happy.

[Pamelajo]

Nice looking little fish.

[blainep]

They are an awesome little fish, can be a bit of a challenge to feed, but lots of attitude !

[vince0]

I am very jealous - I have been on the look out for the at the LFS. Im starting to think I may have to order them online or through a canadian forum.

Nice find! You should post some pictures if you get a chance?

[Laura]

My photo taking skills are guaranteed to not amaze ;). They are settling in nicely and eating small frozen food and even swimming around with entire bloodworms hanging out of their mouths.

I have the added perk that the pepper cories I just got that are in quarantine with them decided to lay eggs all over.

I made an improntu net for some of the eggs to see if I can keep them away from hungry mouths in the tank - but the tank is half stuffed with najas grass so hopefully some little fellas will make it.

[CACAdmin]

Very pretty fish. I hope you get a mix of both sexes and have success in breeding them.

[Rabadswompe]

What other species could one put with them?

[Laura]

I've got limited experience with them, so another member may have better suggestions for tankmates.

From my reading, anything tiny that won't outcompete them for food would be a good fit. Ottos, small tetras and rasboras and dwarf cories along with shrimp would probably be good.

They would hunt baby shrimp - I'm amazed at size of the bloodworms they eat.

While tiny, my reading says they are territorial, esp when older and need their space. Even in the tank at the store you could see them spaced out from each other as opposed to being in a group. I wouldn't try and put a big group in a nano tank.

I'm putting 7 in a 15 gallon along with other small fish, but I thought many more would be pushing it.