Blue Badis (Badis badis) aka Chameleon Fish

The Blue Badis (Badis badis), also called the Chameleon Fish, is a small perch family member native to India’s Ganges River system. Its nickname comes from its ability to change colors, especially in adult males during breeding or territorial displays. Juveniles typically show mottled brown, tan, and red vertical stripes, while mature males develop vibrant red and iridescent blue fins.

This fish is a micropredator, needing a diet rich in meaty foods. Many Blue Badis won’t eat dry flakes or pellets, so it’s essential to offer live and frozen foods regularly. In the wild, they feed on small worms, crustaceans, insects, and larvae. In an aquarium, foods like glassworms, enriched Artemia, and Daphnia are great staples, while bloodworms and Tubifex can be given occasionally but not too often to avoid obesity.

To keep them happy, their tank should include plenty of rocks, driftwood, and caves since they are cave spawners. Males guard eggs and fry during breeding, but it’s best to remove the adults afterward to prevent them from eating their young.

Blue Badis thrive in planted tanks with mild to moderate water flow. They’re peaceful with other fish but may prey on very tiny ones. They’re compatible with snails and larger shrimp, but smaller shrimp like Caridina or Neocaridina may become snacks. Although they can hybridize with other Badis species, it’s rare with Scarlet Badis due to size differences.

Why We Like This Fish:

• Stunning blue and red colors in males during displays
• Peaceful and easygoing with most fish
• Hardy and adaptable to various setups
• Active and engaging, particularly in the mid to lower parts of the tank

Tank Requirements:

• Temperature: 59–77°F (15–25°C)
• pH: 6.0–7.5
• KH: 10–15 dKH
• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons

Care Tips:

• Diet: Focus on meaty live or frozen foods like Daphnia and Artemia; offer bloodworms or Tubifex sparingly. Dry foods are often ignored.
• Behavior: Mostly peaceful but can be territorial, especially males. Best kept in small groups or pairs.
• Origin: Native to India’s Ganges River system
• Size: Grows to 2–2.5 inches (5–6.3 cm) as adults
• Purchase Size: Around 1 inch (2.5 cm)