Red melon badis
Dario hysginon
intermediate careOverview
The red melon badis (Dario hysginon) is a tiny, glowing micropredator from the streams of northern Myanmar — a close cousin of the popular scarlet badis. A dominant male barely 2.5 cm long burns a deep, solid orange-red, patrolling his little territory among the plants. Peaceful towards other species but shy and slow-feeding, it is a jewel for a gentle, planted nano tank in the hands of a keeper who can supply live foods.
Tank & water
A group thrives in a mature, densely planted 30-litre (8-gallon) tank or larger with plenty of cover.
- Temperature: 23–27 °C from a small heater.
- Water: soft to neutral, pH 6.0–7.5, clean and stable. Test with a kit.
- Densely planted with caves: fine-leaved plants, wood, moss and leaf litter give territories and confidence.
- Gentle flow: a soft sponge filter suits this deliberate little stalker.
Feeding
Red melon badis are dedicated micropredators that usually refuse dry food. Feed small live and frozen fare — baby brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops, microworm and finely chopped bloodworm. They hunt deliberately, picking prey one by one, so give them time and space to feed and avoid competitive tankmates. A varied live/frozen menu keeps their colour deep and rich.
Behaviour & tankmates
Keep one male with several females, or a small group in a larger tank, with abundant cover so males can hold small territories without constant conflict. They are far too tiny and timid for a general community; the best tankmates are none, or the smallest, gentlest nano fish and adult shrimp. Note that males may pick off newborn shrimplets.
In a settled tank a pair may spawn in a cave or dense moss, with the male guarding the eggs, giving patient keepers a chance to see the whole breeding cycle in miniature. Keep the tank quiet and lightly stocked and the fry can even survive among the plants without intervention.
Give the red melon badis a mature, planted nano and a live-food diet, and this pocket-sized scarlet predator delivers big colour and fascinating territorial behaviour for very little space — see our best nano aquarium picks.
Red melon badis — frequently asked questions
How is Dario hysginon different from the scarlet badis?
They are close relatives. The scarlet badis (Dario dario) shows fine blue bars on a red body, while the red melon badis (Dario hysginon) is a more solid, deep orange-red with little barring. Care is very similar — both are tiny, live-food micropredators for gentle, planted nano tanks.
Will the red melon badis eat dry food?
Usually not. Like other Dario species it is a micropredator that tends to hold out for small live and frozen foods and often ignores flakes and pellets. Plan to feed baby brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops and microworm to keep it fed and richly coloured.
Can I keep several red melon badis together?
Yes, best as one male with a few females, or a small group in a larger planted tank. Males are territorial with each other over small patches, so give plenty of cover and sightline breaks. They are far too shy and tiny to compete in a busy community, so keep the company calm.
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