Pyema Badis

Badis pyema is a small species in the Badidae from the upland streams and pools of northeastern India, closely related to but distinct from several similar species in the region. It is particularly compact, reaching around 5 cm, with subtle grey-brown base colouration overlaid with fine reticulate markings and flashes of pale blue iridescence in displaying males. Its small size makes it suitable for nano and micro-sized dedicated aquariums.

Like all badis, it is a specialist feeder that in most cases will reject dried food entirely and requires live or frozen small invertebrates for long-term health. A quiet, heavily planted nano tank with several small cave options is the ideal environment. Soft, slightly tannin-stained water best replicates its natural habitat.

Despite its small size, B. pyema exhibits full badis cave-spawning behaviour with the male tending eggs and guarding free-swimming fry. The small size of the fry requires micro live foods such as Paramecium for the first week of independent feeding.

Water: 20–26 °C, pH 6.0–7.5, soft and slightly acidic; tannin-stained preferred. Tank: 40 L minimum; nano planted setup with small cave structures and leaf litter. Feeding: Carnivore; micro live/frozen invertebrates; Daphnia, baby brine shrimp, Grindal worm. Breeding: Cave-spawner with paternal guarding; fry need Paramecium-sized foods initially. Compatibility: Nano tank with adult shrimp and micro fish only; avoid any competitive species.