Badis

Badis badis

Badis (Badis badis) — Varies care, Peaceful, under Other. Minimum tank in the app: 19.8 US gal min; aim for 59–77°F and pH 6.5–7.5. Badis are a captivating choice for aquarists looking to observe nuanced behaviour in a small species.

Badis (Badis badis) in a planted freshwater aquarium
Care levelVaries
TemperamentPeaceful
Min tank size19.8 US gal min
pH range6.5–7.5
Temperature59–77°F
Max size2.4 in (6.0 cm)
Captive lifespan4–8 years
SchoolingNo

Captive lifespan reflects typical experience in a home aquarium, not maximum recorded age; genetics, sourcing, and care vary.

Natural distribution

Asia

  • East & Southeast Asia

Regional colours match the stocking calculator’s origin map.

Badis Tank Setup

To create an optimal environment for Badis, incorporate ample hiding spots through dense planting and rocky structures, while allowing open swimming space in the mid-level. A gentle water flow is preferred to mimic their natural habitat. Ensure the substrate is fine to prevent damage to their sensitive bodies, and consider subdued lighting to create a comfortable atmosphere that encourages natural behaviours.

What Do Badis Eat?

Badis are omnivorous and can be slow feeders, often benefiting from smaller food particles that they can pick at. Competition during feeding can become an issue if housed with faster, more aggressive feeders, so it's wise to monitor their intake to prevent health issues.

Badis Tank Mates

Ideal tank mates for Badis include similarly sized or slightly larger fish that are not overly aggressive, such as certain tetras or rasboras, which occupy different swimming zones. However, avoid pairing them with very active or boisterous species that could stress them out. Intraspecies, Badis do best alone, as their territorial nature can lead to conflict when more than one is introduced in a small space.

Are Badis Good for Beginners?

Care demand varies with setup and individual fish; use the numbers above as your baseline. A common oversight is underestimating their need for cover and space, leading to increased stress and aggression. many aquarists may mistakenly introduce Badis into overly active or large community setups, which can overwhelm them, resulting in poor health outcomes.

Building a community? Run the full list through the stocking calculator before you add anything else.

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