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Red Melon Badis
Dario hysginon
Animalia›Chordata›Perciformes›Badidae
The Red Melon Badis is a stunning micro predator native to Southeast Asia, featuring vibrant red and orange coloration with distinctive patterns. These tiny fish are peaceful and make excellent additions to planted nano tanks and community aquariums. They are relatively hardy but require careful feeding due to their small mouths and preference for live or frozen micro foods.
Where it's from
Native to the Irrawaddy and Salween river basins
Myanmar (Burma)
At a glance
- Size
- 0.8 in
- 2 cm
- Min tank
- 10 gal
- 38 L
- Temp
- 72–79°F
- 22–26°C
- pH
- 6.0-7.5
- GH
- 71–143 ppm
- 4–8 dGH
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Swims
- Bottom
- Lifespan
- 4-6 yrs
Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.
Care
Diet
Red Melon Badis are micro predators requiring small live or frozen foods such as copepods, daphnia, micro worms, and newly hatched brine shrimp. Feed small portions 2-3 times daily, as their tiny mouths cannot accommodate standard fish food. Occasional vegetable matter can be offered but is not essential.
Behavior
These tiny fish are bottom dwellers that spend most of their time foraging among substrate and plants. They are peaceful and non-aggressive, though males may display territorial behavior toward each other in small spaces. They are relatively shy and prefer densely planted environments where they can hide and hunt for small invertebrates.
Breeding
Red Melon Badis can breed in captivity under proper conditions with slightly acidic water and plenty of hiding spots. Males will establish territories and display vibrant colors to attract females. Fry are extremely small and require infusoria or liquid fry food for the first few weeks before graduating to micro foods.
Tank mates
See all 6Similar size and peaceful nature; will not prey on adult shrimp
Small peaceful fish that occupy different water zones
Tiny peaceful tetras that share similar water parameters and temperament
Provides dense cover and hunting grounds for badis
Creates shelter and harbors micro fauna for natural feeding
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Common diseases 4Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis), Fin Rot, Starvation/Malnutrition, Bacterial Infection
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, lethargy, rapid breathing, rubbing against objects
Raise temperature gradually to 28-30 C (82-86 F), perform daily water changes, use aquarium salt or ich medication; ensure good water quality
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy
Improve water quality with frequent water changes, remove decaying matter, use antibacterial medication if severe; ensure adequate filtration
Starvation/Malnutrition
Thin appearance, lethargy, faded coloration, inability to compete for food
Provide frequent small feedings of appropriate micro foods; use target feeding with pipette to ensure individual fish receive adequate nutrition
Bacterial Infection
Open sores, cloudy eyes, torn fins, behavioral changes, loss of appetite
Perform large water changes, maintain pristine water conditions, use broad-spectrum antibacterial medication; quarantine if necessary
Legality
No state or federal restrictions on record.
Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and change over time; check with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping or shipping it.
The care information here is written with AI help, so it can contain mistakes. Spot one? Tell us and we'll fix it. Native range: Tedesco et al. 2017 (CC0).
At a glance
- Size
- 0.8 in2 cm
- Min tank
- 10 gal38 L
- Temp
- 72–79°F22–26°C
- pH
- 6.0-7.5
- GH
- 71–143 ppm4–8 dGH
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Swims
- Bottom
- Lifespan
- 4-6 yrs
Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.
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