Hysginon Badis (Dario hysginon)

Dario hysginon is a close relative of the Scarlet Badis from Myanmar, with males displaying an equally striking pattern of deep red-orange to vermillion vertical bands alternating on a blue-green iridescent body. The banding is slightly broader and the overall hue often described as more intensely orange-red than in D. dario. Like all Dario species, it is tiny, secretive, and a strict carnivore that prefers small live or frozen prey and is easily outcompeted for food in mixed community tanks. A densely planted species aquarium with moss and caves is the ideal setup.

House in a species-specific aquarium of at least 20 L with dense planting, moss (Java moss, Taxiphyllum), and small caves. Maintain pH 6.5–7.5, temperature 18–25°C, soft to moderately hard water. Feed only small live or frozen prey: Artemia nauplii, micro worms, Cyclops, and Daphnia — this species rarely accepts dry foods. Males are territorial with each other; in small tanks keep only 1 male, or provide substantial visual barriers. Feed multiple times daily in small amounts.