Black Tiger Badis

Black Tiger Badis (Dario sp. 'Myanmar')

Overview

The Black Tiger Badis is a rare and stunning nano fish from Northern Myanmar, belonging to the perch family. Males develop striking red, cream, and black vertical stripes, with bold black and blue accents on their fins. As they mature, their colors become even more intense, especially when displaying for females.

This species is a micropredator, meaning it requires a diet of protein-rich foods. Many individuals refuse dry pellets or flakes, so they should be fed a variety of live or frozen foods such as cyclops, Daphnia, and enriched Artemia. While bloodworms and Tubifex worms can be given occasionally, they should be avoided as a staple, as they can lead to obesity and health issues.

To keep them comfortable, a well-planted aquarium with rocks, driftwood, and plenty of hiding spots is essential. These fish are cave spawners, so providing small caves will encourage natural breeding behavior. Males guard the eggs and newly hatched fry, but adults should be removed after spawning to prevent them from eating their young.

Although the Black Tiger Badis is a predator, its small size makes it safe to keep with fish and invertebrates that are too large to be eaten. It can coexist with snails and larger shrimp but may snack on shrimp fry or any tiny invertebrates that fit in its mouth. This species is somewhat shy and can be outcompeted for food by more active tank mates. If housing with other Badis species, avoid mixing them with Scarlet Badis (Dario dario) to prevent hybridization.

Why We Love This Fish:

✔️ Eye-catching red, black, and cream stripes with unique blue highlights
✔️ Peaceful with most fish and larger invertebrates
✔️ Thrives in a wide range of temperatures
✔️ Active in the mid-to-lower levels of the aquarium
✔️ Extremely rare in the aquarium hobby

Recommended Tank Parameters:

• Temperature: 15° - 25°C (Best: 20° - 25°C)

• pH: 7.0 - 9.0

• KH: 2 - 11 dKH

• Minimum Tank Size: 20L+ for a group

Care Guidelines:

• Diet: Carnivorous micropredator – prefers live and frozen foods like cyclops, Daphnia, and Artemia. May ignore dry foods. Avoid excessive bloodworms and Tubifex.

• Temperament: Mostly peaceful, best kept in small groups. Males may be territorial.

• Origin: Northern Myanmar

• Adult Size: 2.5 - 3.8 cm

• Purchase Size: 1.3 - 2.5 cm

📸 Image for reference only. Actual fish may vary in size and color.