All fish / Badidae

Badis khwae

Badis khwae

Also known as khwae badis, thai badis, chameleon fish, バディス・クワエ, 蓝鲈

A small, stocky badid from clear forest streams in western Thailand. Males show dark vertical bars over a brownish body with blue sheen on the fins, and can change colour quickly with mood. Keepers value its bold, territorial character in a small, well-planted tank with plenty of caves.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

4.5 cm

Temperature

22 to 27 °C

pH

6.5 to 7.5

Smallest tank

45 litres

Keep as

One male with one or two females, or a single pair

Diet

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

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

3 to 5 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Western Thailand (Khwae Noi and Mae Klong basin)

Breeding

A cave spawner: the male claims a cave or crevice, courts the female and guards the eggs and wrigglers until they swim freely. Breeding is fairly straightforward in a species-only tank with live foods, and fry need infusoria or microworms at first.

Good to know

Males are territorial towards each other and similar bottom dwellers, so give caves and avoid fast, boisterous tankmates that outcompete it at feeding. Do not keep with tiny shrimp fry if you want them to survive.