Scarlet badis

The scarlet badis is a tropical freshwater fish and one of the smallest known percoid fish species. It is a micropredator, feeding on small aquatic crustaceans, worms, insect larvae and other zooplankton. It is sold under a variety of names in the aquarium trade.

Description

Scarlet badis are among the smallest percoid fish species. Males usually do not exceed, with the females being even smaller around, the maximum length can reach to. Apart from the size difference, the sexes are easy to distinguish by the vibrant colors and prominent fins of the male.

Distribution and habitat

The distribution of this species appears to be restricted to tributary systems draining into the Brahmaputra River in parts of West Bengal and Assam states of India, although it might also range into Bhutan. It typically inhabits shallow, clear water streams with sand or gravel substrates and dense growths of marginal and/or aquatic vegetation.