Badis (Badis badis)

Badis badis, the Badis or Dwarf Chameleon Fish, is a fascinating and often overlooked small perciform from India and Nepal capable of rapidly shifting body colour between drab earth tones and vibrant blues and greens depending on its mood, breeding condition, and environmental surroundings. This remarkable colour plasticity — unusual among freshwater aquarium fish — makes it a continually interesting subject for observation. Despite its small size (up to 8cm), Badis is a dedicated ambush predator that feeds primarily on live and frozen invertebrate prey, rarely accepting dry foods initially. Males are strongly territorial with each other but are generally peaceful toward other species of similar size. The species is best appreciated in a well-planted aquarium with abundant hiding places and subdued lighting that encourages the fish to be active and display its natural behaviours.

Keep in a species or biotope aquarium with heavy plant cover, driftwood, and small cave structures. Males are territorial — keep one male per 60 litres, or only introduce females in paired setups. Feed exclusively live and frozen small invertebrates: daphnia, micro worms, bloodworms, baby brine shrimp, and similar. Badis rarely accepts dry food initially but may be trained over time. Maintain soft to moderately hard water.