Badis

Badis badis is found in quiet, shallow streams, ponds, and rice paddies across India and Nepal. Like a chameleon, it shifts colour and pattern rapidly in response to mood, lighting, and territory. Males become intensely iridescent blue and red when displaying or breeding. It is a cave-spawner that provides paternal care over its eggs and rarely accepts dried food.

Water: 15–26 °C, pH 6.5–7.5, soft to moderately hard freshwater; cool end preferred. Tank: 60 L minimum; planted with caves and hollow logs; dark substrate brings out best colouration. Feeding: Carnivorous; refuses most dry food — feed live/frozen bloodworm, Daphnia, and brine shrimp. Behaviour: Secretive cave-dweller; males territorial in small tanks; peaceful otherwise. Compatibility: Peaceful with fish too large to eat; avoid fin-nipping or boisterous species.