Blue Badis the Chameleon fish (Badis badis) CareSheet

The Blue Badis the Chameleon fish (Badis badis), often known as the Chameleon Fish, is a tiny member of the perch family native to India's Ganges River system. The term "chameleon fish" relates to this fish's unusual ability to change colors rapidly during breeding and territorial behavior, especially in mature males. Juveniles have mottled brown, tan, and red vertical striping as their first color. Males of the Blue Badis the Chameleon fish generally have more vivid red and iridescent blue colouring on their fins as they mature.

The Blue Badis the Chameleon fish is a micropredator that requires a meaty diet. Because many specimens may reject dry flake and pellet feeds, live and frozen foods should be supplied on a regular basis. This fish consumes a variety of tiny worms, crustaceans, insects, and insect larvae in the wild. Glassworms, enhanced Artemia, and Daphnia will create a good staple food in the aquarium. Bloodworms and Tubifex worms may be eaten sometimes, but they should not be served on a regular basis since they can cause obesity in this species.

The Blue Badis the Chameleon fish' aquarium should have abundance of rockwork and driftwood. Because this fish spawns in caves, it's also a good idea to create cave-like structures with your decor. The male will defend the eggs and newly born fry during spawning, but any adults should be removed thereafter to prevent cannibalism of the fry by the parents.

The Blue Badis the Chameleon fish thrives in a planted aquarium with a moderate to gentle water flow and is typically amicable with other fish species. Despite the fact that it is a predator, its tiny size renders it harmless to all save the smallest fish. Some invertebrates, like as snails and bigger shrimp, may be kept with it, however it will consume most Caridina shrimp and Neocaridina shrimp. It may hybridize with other Badis species, although because to the size difference, it is unlikely to do so with the Scarlet Badis (Dario dario).

Requirements for keeping Badis badis

Temperature: 59° - 77° F, though 68° - 75° F is best for long-term care.
pH: 7.0 - 9.0
KH: 2 - 6 dKH
Minimum tank size: 20+ gallons for a group
Origin: Northern Myanmar
Average adult size: 1 - 1.5 inches