Badis | Badis badis
Others / Bedotiinae / Badis
Profile: Badis, Blue Perch, Dwarf Chameleon Fish
Badis badis Synonyms: Badis buchanani, Labrus badis
Physical description: An elongated, oval-shaped species with slight lateral compression. The mouth is small and the caudal fin in fan-shaped. The dorsal fin runs from above the pectoral fin to the caudal peduncle and may be very elongate depending on the fish. Healthy males have a brownish-red back with with raspberry to red to blue flanks. The flanks are marked with red, yellow, and/or blue spots. The lower parts are orange to green. A black stripe extends from the mouth, through the eye, to the base of the dorsal fin. The dorsal fin is reddish and marked with green or red horizontal stripes.The other fins vary from blue to red in color.
Size/Length: To 3.2" (8 cm)
Similar species: None
Habitat: Inhabits still and slow moving water with heavy vegetation in India
S: bottom, middle
Aquarium: A tank measuring 24" (61 cm) with a capacity of 15-20 gallons (57-76 L) is sufficient. The tank should be well-planted with plenty of hiding places (flower pots, wood, rocks, roots, pipes, etc.). Use a fine gravel or sand substrate.
Water chemistry: pH 6-8 (7.0), 3-16 dH (8), 75-84°F (24-29°C)
Social behavior: A peaceful fish suggested for some community tanks. At first shy, this species will gain trust for its owner once acclimated. Under cramped conditions this species may become more aggressive. Do not keep with fish that will compete aggressively for food as this species may starve. Parents form a patriarchal family.
Suggested companions: Barbs, Rasboras, Danios, Colisa, Corydoras, Hemigrammus, Hyphessobrycon, Loricarids, Pangio
FOOD: Live; Tubifex , insect larvae, Brine Shrimp; grated meat; acclimated fish may accept flakes and pellets
SEX: Males are more colorful and females have rounder bellies.
Breeding techniques: Use a small aquarium with a volume of 5-10 gallons (19-38 L). The water temperature should be increased to 81-86°F (27-30°C). Furnish a spawning site of a cave or flower pot. After an active spawning with includes embracement, up to 100 eggs are laid. These are guarded by the male.
The eggs hatch after three days and the fry are free-swimming 4-5 days later. The male continues to care for the young until the contents of their egg sac is gone. Remove the parents and start feeding the fry with Artemia nauplii.
Breeding potential: 6. Breeding is fairly easy.
Remarks: This species is sensitive to disease, especially fish tuberculosis. A sub-species B. badis Burmanicus with red body coloring is imported from Burma. This species is closely related to the Labyrinth fish family.
Difficulty of care: 5. This species requires frequent partial water changes in order to prosper. It also requires a diet of live foods.