Red Melon Dario (Dario hysginon)

Red Melon Dario (Dario hysginon) is a captivating nano fish known for its vibrant red coloration and interesting behavior. Here are some key details about this species:

• Appearance: Males are more intensely colored than females, with a striking red hue and a black blotch on the first few dorsal fins
• Size: They are small, with males growing up to about 22 mm (a little over 3/4 inch) and females slightly smaller
• Habitat: Native to Myanmar, they thrive in oxygen-deprived waters with plenty of plant cover, such as Cryptocoryne species
• Tank Setup: They do well in heavily planted tanks, which help reduce aggression by providing hiding spots and breaking line of sight between males. A 20-gallon tank can house up to seven pairs if well-planted
• Diet: They are micropredators, feeding on small insects, crustaceans, and zooplankton in the wild. In captivity, they can be fed live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia
• Behavior: Males can be territorial, especially during breeding. They display fascinating behaviors such as flaring their fins and forming temporary bonds for breeding