Burmese Badis (Badis ruber)

Family: Badidae

Burmese Badis — a Badidae freshwater fish. Reaches 3.8–5.5 cm; keep at 14–30 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature
14–30 °C
pH
6–8
GH hardness
5–19 dGH
Adult length
3.8–5.5 cm
Minimum tank
36 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful community fish

Species overview

A Badidae species: Badis ruber lives bottom-dwelling over warm freshwater streams and lakes. Peaceful community fish. Adults reach 3.8–5.5 cm. It is one of the aquarium-kept Badis species we profile, alongside Badis badis, Badis juergenschmidti, Badis khwae.

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 Burmese Badis easy to keep?

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

What temperature and water chemistry does Burmese Badis need?

Set the heater to 14–30 °C and avoid swings. pH 6–8, GH 5–19 dGH suit it.

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

Full size is 3.8–5.5 cm. Minimum tank: 36 L, with open swimming space along its bottom-dwelling habits.

What does Burmese Badis eat?

Omnivore; quality prepared foods. Vary the menu — quality flakes or pellets plus frozen or live foods.

Can Burmese Badis live with other fish?

Peaceful community fish. Recommended tankmates: Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs. Avoid Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates.

Where does Burmese Badis come from?

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

Does Burmese Badis jump?

Jumping is not a known issue; cover the tank anyway during water changes.

How does Burmese Badis breed?

Not documented in home aquaria. Subtle external differences.