All fish / Badidae

Blue Badis

Badis badis

Also known as badis, chameleon fish, dwarf chameleon fish, blue perch, indian badis, chameleon badis, ปลาบาดิส, バディス・バディス, ikan badis, 变色鲈, 蓝变色鲈

A small, shy perch-like fish whose males show dark vertical bars over a bluish to brownish body, with red and blue tints in the fins that change quickly with mood. It is kept for its striking colours and interesting behaviour in quiet, planted tanks with caves and leaf litter.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

6 cm

Temperature

18 to 26 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

60 litres

Keep as

One male per tank, or a pair; several only in a large, well-planted tank

Diet

Carnivore: live and frozen bloodworm, daphnia, brine shrimp and small worms; often refuses dried food

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

3 to 5 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan and Bhutan (Ganges and Brahmaputra basins)

Breeding

Males claim a cave, court females with intense colours and guard the eggs and fry after spawning. Breeding is fairly easy in a well-planted tank with hiding places, but parents should be removed once the fry swim freely.

Good to know

Males are very territorial towards each other and related dwarf perches, so keep only one male in smaller tanks. Avoid fast or boisterous tankmates that outcompete it for food.