Not furry, but we like them anyway.

Badis

Badis badis

Also called Chameleon fish, Blue perch, Blue badis

SpeciesShort profile

From South Asia: the Ganges and nearby river systems of India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan, with records from Pakistan.1 2 3

At a glance the quick version

Length6 to 8 cm1 2 3

Sizesmall

Can change colour quickly

Attentive fathers that guard eggs and fry

Calm, unhurried fish

Looks how to spot one

Small, compact scaled fish

A small perch-shaped fish. Males are larger and more colourful with bluish fins; females are smaller with a shorter, rounder body.1 3

Coloursbrownish to bluish bodydark vertical bands when excitedblue fins (males)very dark body in breeding males1 3

Personality what they are like

A quiet, slow-moving fish. Males hold territories and can be feisty with each other, so it suits a species tank better than a busy community.1

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Unhurried; spends time near cover and the bottom, hunting small prey.1 2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Temperature roughly 15-25 C (FishBase gives a wider 14-30 C), pH 6.0-8.0, hardness about 3-19 dGH.1 2

Home where they are happiest

Minimum 80 x 30 cm footprint (about 72 litres) for a pair or small group. Soft bottom, plants and caves for hiding and spawning.1

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A micropredator that eats worms, small crustaceans and insect larvae. Offer live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp and daphnia.1 2

Company who they like around

Usually solitary in the wild; keep one male per area of tank, with females or alone.2 1

The story where it all began

Hamilton described it in 1822 as Labrus badis. It now gives its name to the family Badidae, and several fish once lumped in with it are now known to be separate species.1 2 3

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
Its nickname 'chameleon fish' comes from how fast it can shift its colours.1
2
It spawns in caves, and the male guards the eggs and young.1
3
A spawning produces about 30-100 eggs, which hatch in 2-3 days.2

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List (via FishBase): Least Concern (assessed 2010).2

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Badis. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
Temperature checkevery day
Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
Water testevery week
Glass cleanevery week
Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Badis?

Feed your Badis small amounts once or twice a day. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests this routine to match their unhurried nature.1 2 Pet Wiki plan

What does a Badis eat, and what should it never eat?

Badis are micropredators that eat worms, small crustaceans, and insect larvae. Offer live or frozen foods like brine shrimp and daphnia. What to never eat is not covered here, so ask your vet for specific foods to avoid.1 2

How much space does a Badis need?

A minimum tank footprint of 80 x 30 cm (about 72 litres) is recommended for a pair or small group. Provide soft substrate, plants, and caves for hiding.1

What temperature, light or water does a Badis need?

Keep water temperature between 15-25°C, pH 6.0-8.0, and hardness 3-19 dGH. Light needs vary; ask your vet or a good breeder for guidance, but a planted tank with cover is ideal.1 2

How often should I clean a Badis's home?

Furry Diary's starting plan recommends a weekly 25% water change, weekly glass cleaning, and a monthly filter rinse using old tank water. This keeps the environment stable. Pet Wiki plan

Can a Badis live with others?

Badis are usually solitary and males can be territorial. It's best kept alone or with females, and a species tank is safer than a busy community.1 2

How long does a Badis live?

Lifespan is not specified in the provided information. It varies by care and genetics, so ask your vet or a good breeder for an estimate.

Can I handle a Badis?

Handling is not covered in the provided information. Fish are generally delicate and best left in the water; consult your vet for advice on safe handling if needed.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

Scarlet Badis

Peacock Gudgeon

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

Seriously Fish: Badis badis seriouslyfish.comused for size, care, behaviour, breeding, history
FishBase: Badis badis fishbase.seused for size, range, water parameters, IUCN, egg count
Wikipedia: Badis badis en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, size, range, taxonomy

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.