Water parameters
Overview
The red badis is a close relative of Badis badis, known as the chameleon fish. Males carry dark vertical bars and, here and there, shiny bluish-green scales on a reddish-brown body; females are gray-beige and plain. It can change its color tones depending on its mood. It stays at 5–6 cm and is well suited to small planted aquariums.
Tank Setup
- At least 60 liters for 1 male and 2–3 females.
- A cave for each individual: a coconut shell, clay pot or root hollow.
- Dense plants, leaf litter and dim light.
- 23–25°C, water close to neutral; gentle flow.
Diet
Carnivorous. Frozen and live bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia and cyclops. Most individuals refuse dry food; because it eats slowly, it can go hungry alongside fast fish.
Behavior and Compatibility
Males are territorial toward each other; it is calm toward other species. It spawns in caves and the male guards the eggs.
Good companions: small, calm species: rasboras, small tetras, pencilfish, otocinclus; adult dwarf shrimp.
Avoid: fast, greedy species, aggressive cichlids, bottom dwellers that compete for caves.
A short profile for this species
The Red Badis page has the basics, but the sections below have not been written yet. If you keep this species, write a section from your own experience; it will be published under your name after editor approval.
Tank mates
This list is calculated automatically from the species profile and grows as new species are added to the catalog. Try it in the planner for a definite answer.
Usually compatible
Emerald Betta
Emerald Cory
Porthole Catfish
Keyhole Cichlid
Buffalohead Cichlid
Geophagus surinamensis
Rainbow Cichlid
Gymnogeophagus balzanii
Blood Parrot
Should not be kept together
Hobbyist notes
Things you won't find in books, learned by trial and error. The most helpful ones are on top.
Change history and contributors
- Page created · October 16, 2026