Corycaeus Badis

Badis corycaeus represents the numerous cryptic badis species described from northeastern India in recent decades — species with overlapping ranges and highly variable colouration that make field identification challenging but aquarium keeping endlessly fascinating. This species is found in quiet, heavily vegetated water bodies in the foothills and lowlands of the region, living among leaf litter and plant stems.

The species displays the full badis repertoire of colour change, from near-invisible mottled camouflage when at rest to vivid blue and orange iridescence when males display to each other or court females. It is best kept in a species-specific tank where its subtle beauty and behaviours can be properly observed and appreciated without interference from faster or bolder tankmates.

Care and breeding follow the standard badis protocol: live food, caves for spawning, and removal or separation of the female once eggs are laid to prevent aggression from the guarding male.

Water: 20–26 °C, pH 6.0–7.5, soft, slightly tannin-stained preferred. Tank: 60 L minimum; planted with leaf litter and cave structures; dim lighting. Feeding: Carnivore; small live/frozen invertebrates; avoid competition at feeding time. Breeding: Cave-spawner; male guards eggs; separate female post-spawning. Compatibility: Species or calm biotope tank; avoid fast-moving or boisterous species.