Siamese Badis

Badis siamensis is native to still and slow-moving waters of Thailand, where it inhabits rice paddies, drainage ditches, and forest pools with abundant vegetation. Males are strikingly beautiful, with electric blue spotting over a red-orange body, and become even more vivid when displaying to rivals or courting females. Like all badis, it requires live or frozen food.

Water: 22–28 °C, pH 6.5–7.5, soft to moderately hard freshwater. Tank: 40 L minimum; heavily planted with caves and coconut shells for cave breeding. Feeding: Live and frozen foods only in most cases — bloodworm, Daphnia, brine shrimp. Behaviour: Cave-breeding species; males guard eggs and fry; territorial toward rival males. Compatibility: Peaceful with other small, non-aggressive fish; avoid nippy species.