Blue Indian Badis (Badis badis) – The Perfect Nano Predator for Your Aquarium
Common Names: Blue Badis, Chameleon Badis
Scientific Name: Badis badis
Family: Badidae
Origin: India, Nepal, Bhutan
Product Overview:
Add an exotic and captivating predator to your aquarium with the Blue Indian Badis (Badis badis), also known as the Chameleon Badis. Renowned for their vibrant colors, which can shift based on mood, environment, or during spawning, these nano fish are ideal for aquarists looking to introduce something unique to a small-sized freshwater setup. Males display stunning blue, red, and green hues while females tend to be more subdued, offering a peaceful yet mesmerizing display.
Key Features:
- Color-Changing Abilities: Known for their chameleon-like quality, males exhibit vibrant color shifts, especially during breeding.
- Ideal for Nano Tanks: These fish are well-suited to small, planted aquariums ranging from 10 to 20 gallons.
- Carnivorous Diet: A natural predator, they thrive on live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia.
- Low-Maintenance Personality: Generally peaceful but may become territorial during breeding. Ideal tank mates include other peaceful, small species.
- Perfect for Species-Only Tanks: Though they can coexist in a community tank, they shine best in a species-only setup to observe their fascinating behavior.
Specifications:
- Size: Males can reach up to 3 inches, females slightly smaller around 2 inches.
- Temperature Range: 72°F - 79°F
- pH Range: 6.0 - 7.5
- Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water (4-15 dGH)
- Diet: Carnivorous (live and frozen foods preferred)
- Temperament: Peaceful, but territorial with their own kind, especially males.
Care Level:
Moderate – Suitable for intermediate aquarists due to their preference for live food and the need to monitor water parameters.
Ideal Tank Setup:
- Tank Size: Minimum of 10 gallons
- Substrate & Plants: Soft, sandy substrate with plenty of hiding spots (rocks, driftwood, and dense vegetation like java moss or cryptocoryne).
- Water Flow: Low to moderate current
- Tank Mates: Compatible with other peaceful fish such as small tetras, rasboras, and shrimp. Avoid housing with aggressive or overly active species.
Why Choose the Blue Indian Badis?
The Blue Indian Badis is perfect for aquarists who want a peaceful, striking, and active hunter in their tank. Its small size, vibrant coloration, and interesting behavior make it a must-have for those who appreciate watching fish interact with their environment. While they may be a little picky about their food, the reward is their enchanting color shifts and calm presence in the tank.
