Purpur Dario (Dario hysginon)

Family: Badidae

Purpur Dario — a Badidae freshwater fish. Reaches 1.8–2.6 cm; keep at 14–30 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature
14–30 °C
pH
6–8
GH hardness
5–19 dGH
Adult length
1.8–2.6 cm
Minimum tank
25 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful community fish

Species overview

A Badidae species: Dario hysginon lives bottom-dwelling over warm freshwater streams and lakes. Peaceful community fish. Adults reach 1.8–2.6 cm. It is one of the aquarium-kept Dario species we profile, alongside Dario dario, Dario huli, Dario kajal.

Native biotope

Habitat
Warm freshwater streams and lakes
Flow
Still to gentle current
Dissolved O₂
Moderate oxygen levels

Aquascape & hardware

Substrate
Fine sand and gravel
Hardscape
Driftwood and smooth stones
Plants
Hardy common aquarium plants

Temperament, diet & tankmates

Schooling
Small groups recommended
Diet
Omnivore; quality prepared foods
Recommended tankmates
  • Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs
Avoid keeping with
  • Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism
Subtle external differences
Breeding method
Not documented in home aquaria

Frequently asked questions

Is Purpur Dario easy to keep?

Intermediate difficulty. Peaceful community fish; small groups recommended.

What temperature and water chemistry does Purpur Dario need?

Aim for 14–30 °C. Stable temperature matching the species origin; 14.0–30.0 °C typical for the family.

How big does Purpur Dario get, and what tank size?

Full size is 1.8–2.6 cm. Minimum tank: 25 L, with open swimming space along its bottom-dwelling habits.

What does Purpur Dario eat?

Omnivore; quality prepared foods. Feed two small meals a day rather than one large one.

Can Purpur Dario live with other fish?

Peaceful community fish; small groups recommended. Good company: Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs. Keep away from Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates.

Where does Purpur Dario come from?

It lives in warm freshwater streams and lakes. Still to gentle current; Moderate oxygen levels.

Does Purpur Dario jump?

Not a noted jumper — a standard cover still keeps dust and spray in.

How does Purpur Dario breed?

In the aquarium: not documented in home aquaria. Subtle external differences.