Kanabos Badis

Badis kanabos was described from slow-flowing and standing-water habitats in Mizoram, one of the biodiversity-rich northeastern states of India. It is a cryptically patterned species with earth-toned mosaic markings over a grey-brown base, punctuated by iridescent blue-green scale highlights that become vivid in displaying males. Like its congeners, it is a slow-moving, ambush-style micro-predator.

This species is best housed in a species-specific or very calm biotope aquarium where it will not be outcompeted for food and where its quiet, deliberate behaviour can be appreciated. Adequate cave structures — clay pots, hollow driftwood, or purpose-made ceramic caves — are essential for normal behaviour and breeding.

Paternal cave-spawning is the reproduction strategy. The male selects the best cave site, courts the female, and guards eggs and newly hatched fry until they are free-swimming. At this point the male can become aggressive toward the female and separation may be necessary.

Water: 20–26 °C, pH 6.0–7.5, soft and slightly acidic; tannin-stained blackwater style beneficial. Tank: 60 L minimum; cave-heavy planted setup; low flow; leaf litter on substrate. Feeding: Carnivore; live/frozen small invertebrates; bloodworm, Daphnia, brine shrimp. Breeding: Cave-spawner; paternal care; separate female after fry are free-swimming. Compatibility: Best in species tank; very incompatible with fast or aggressive tankmates.