Badis badis
This plain fish has an orange to brown appearance. The fins are blue on and across the dorsal fin there is an orange marking. At the start of the dorsal fin there is a black spot visible. The gender difference is easily visible. The males have blue fins, the females have fins that are brownish. Females also have the dorsal orange and sometimes hints of blue in the fin colouring but never as prominent as with the males. The females are often also smaller than the males.
Synonyms: Labrus badis, Labrus fasciata, Cychla fasciata, Badis buchanani.
Origin
Badis badis is only found in India.
The Aquarium
Badis badis needs a tank which is well planted and enough hideouts need to be foreseen. The hideouts can be created using wood as well as rocks. As substrate, sand is preferred as this species likes to dig in the sand. As substrate, sand is preferred as this species likes to dig in the sand.
Water parameters
Temperature: 23-26° Ph: 7-8 GH: 5-8
Diet
These fish will eat flake, live and frozen foods.
Character
These peaceful fish are very calm. Badis Badis will not quickly harass other fish in the tank and are even somewhat timid. Don’t keep them with large and active fish. It will cause them not to eat properly. Within the species itself it’s best to take on couple or a harem for small tanks. These fish will set a territory and in a smaller tank this might lead to conflict.
Breeding Badis badis
Badis badis is not difficult to breed. If the tank is set up properly and the parents are fed well with live or frozen foods, they will often start spontaneously with breeding. The eggs are laid in a hole or burrow and these will be guarded by the male. After 3 days the eggs will hatch and the fry will be kept safe and guarded until they are big enough to swim freely in the tank.
The chance of survival of the fry may be increased by setting up a separated breeding tank. Keep in mind though that once the fry start to swim freely the parents need to be removed to avoid them eating the fry.
Video
Author
Rick
Copyright images
Henri Frietema
