Blue Badis (Badis badis)

Family: Badidae

Blue Badis — a Badidae freshwater fish. Reaches 5.3–7.8 cm; keep at 17.2–26.8 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature
17.2–26.8 °C
pH
6–8
GH hardness
5–19 dGH
Adult length
5.3–7.8 cm
Minimum tank
73 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful community fish

Species overview

Badis badis is a Badidae. In the aquarium it stays peaceful community fish. Plan on 5.3–7.8 cm of adult fish at 17.2–26.8 °C. Related profiles: Badis juergenschmidti, Badis khwae, Badis ruber.

Native biotope

Habitat
Warm freshwater streams and lakes
Flow
Still to gentle current
Dissolved O₂
Moderate oxygen levels

Aquascape & hardware

Substrate
Fine sand and gravel
Hardscape
Driftwood and smooth stones
Plants
Hardy common aquarium plants

Temperament, diet & tankmates

Schooling
Small groups recommended
Diet
Omnivore; quality prepared foods
Recommended tankmates
  • Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs
Avoid keeping with
  • Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism
Subtle external differences
Breeding method
Not documented in home aquaria

Frequently asked questions

Is Blue Badis easy to keep?

Difficulty: moderate. Peaceful community fish. Small groups recommended.

What temperature and water chemistry does Blue Badis need?

Set the heater to 17.2–26.8 °C and avoid swings. pH 6–8, GH 5–19 dGH suit it.

How big does Blue Badis get, and what tank size?

Full size is 5.3–7.8 cm. Minimum tank: 73 L, with open swimming space along its bottom-dwelling habits.

What does Blue Badis eat?

Omnivore; quality prepared foods. It forages naturally over fine sand and gravel, so let some food reach the bottom.

Can Blue Badis live with other fish?

Yes, with care. Peaceful community fish — pair it with Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs and skip Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates.

Where does Blue Badis come from?

Found in warm freshwater streams and lakes; expect still to gentle current and moderate oxygen levels.

Does Blue Badis jump?

Low escape risk, but a lid is cheap insurance.

How does Blue Badis breed?

In the aquarium: not documented in home aquaria. Subtle external differences.