Known as the Chameleon Fish due to its ability to rapidly change color based on mood, environment, and dominance. They are deliberate, slow-moving micro-predators that often refuse dry flakes or pellets, requiring a diet of live or frozen foods (bloodworms, daphnia). They are notorious for decimating dwarf shrimp and small snail populations.
Badis (Chameleon Fish) At a Glance
Badis (Chameleon Fish) Tank Requirements
Will Badis (Chameleon Fish) fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Badis (Chameleon Fish) needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Badis (Chameleon Fish) against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Badis (Chameleon Fish) Water Parameters
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Badis (Chameleon Fish) Temperament & Compatibility
Badis (Chameleon Fish) Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Male
Males display vibrant blues, blacks, and reds, especially when dominant or breeding. They are highly territorial towards other males and will claim caves or heavily planted areas. Strictly one male per tank is recommended unless the tank is large (100cm+) with complex sightlines.
Differs in 3 traits from base species
Also known as: Male Badis, Standard
Female
Females are noticeably smaller, have rounder bellies, and are much duller in color (usually mottled grey, brown, or pale). They are significantly more peaceful and can be kept in groups or paired with a single male.
Differs in 3 traits from base species
Also known as: Female Badis
Badis (Chameleon Fish) Care Guide Summary
The Badis (Chameleon Fish), scientifically known as Badis badis, belongs to the Other family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 7 cm and have a compressed body shape with a slow growth rate. Classified as semi-aggressive, this species primarily occupies the bottom and mid-level zones of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Badis (Chameleon Fish) requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 60 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 15°C and 25°C, with a pH range of 6–8 and a general hardness of 3–15 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Badis (Chameleon Fish) is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. This species is available in 2 varieties: Male and Female. Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Badis (Chameleon Fish) Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Badis (Chameleon Fish), a low water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the bottom and mid-level zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement and sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include a sand substrate to accommodate their sifting behaviour, driftwood, which can serve as both a hiding place and a dietary supplement, leaf litter or blackwater tannins to replicate their natural soft-water habitat, and dense planting to provide cover, break sightlines, and reduce stress.
Badis (Chameleon Fish) Compatibility Notes
Classified as semi-aggressive, the Badis (Chameleon Fish) is adaptable and can be kept singly or in a small group, offering flexibility when planning a community tank. When choosing tankmates, ornamental shrimp are not safe companions, snails will be treated as food rather than tankmates, territorial behaviour may cause issues if hiding spots or floor space are limited, and boisterous or fast-moving tankmates may cause this species undue stress. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the bottom and mid-level zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Badis (Chameleon Fish) Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Badis (Chameleon Fish).
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
36 Gallon Bowfront
40 Gallon Breeder
Show 19 more tank sizes
Badis (Chameleon Fish) Feeding & Diet Considerations
The Badis (Chameleon Fish) will hunt and eat ornamental shrimp, making it unsuitable for shrimp-focused setups, actively feeds on snails and can be used as a natural snail population control, and will eat fry, so breeding efforts in the same tank are unlikely to succeed.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Badis (Chameleon Fish)
How big does Badis (Chameleon Fish) get?
Badis (Chameleon Fish) (Badis badis) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 7 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a slow growth rate.
What tank size does Badis (Chameleon Fish) need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 60 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm are recommended for Badis (Chameleon Fish). This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Badis (Chameleon Fish) need?
Badis (Chameleon Fish) thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 15–25°C, a pH between 6 and 8, and a general hardness of 3–15 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Is Badis (Chameleon Fish) peaceful or aggressive?
Badis (Chameleon Fish) is classified as semi-aggressive with an aggression score of 5 out of 10. They can work in community setups but may clash with certain tankmates.
Can Badis (Chameleon Fish) live alone?
Yes, Badis (Chameleon Fish) can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Is Badis (Chameleon Fish) safe with shrimp?
No. Badis (Chameleon Fish) is known to eat ornamental shrimp and is not recommended for shrimp tanks. Even larger shrimp species like Amano Shrimp may be at risk.
Will Badis (Chameleon Fish) eat snails?
Yes. Badis (Chameleon Fish) actively feeds on snails. While this can be useful for controlling pest snail populations, it means decorative snails should not be housed with this species.
Does Badis (Chameleon Fish) have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Badis (Chameleon Fish) benefits from sand (sifters), plants - densely covered, driftwood (digestion/hiding), and leaf litter/blackwater in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Plants That Suit Badis (Chameleon Fish)
These plants pair well with Badis (Chameleon Fish) based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Amazon Frogbit
Limnobium laevigatum
Asian Watergrass
Hygroryza aristata
Asian Watermoss
Salvinia cucullata
Beckett's Water Trumpet
Cryptocoryne beckettii
Broad-leaved Crypt
Cryptocoryne pontederiifolia
Carolina Fanwort
Cabomba caroliniana
Fish Similar to Badis (Chameleon Fish)
Scarlet Badis
Dario dario
One of the smallest known aquarium fish, resembling a tiny jewel. Males display brilliant vertical red and iridescent blue stripes. While beautiful, they are known for being extremely picky eaters, often refusing dry foods and requiring live or frozen micro-foods (Daphnia, Baby Brine Shrimp). Males act like tiny Cichlids and will stake out territories.
Bumblebee Goby (Brackish)
Brachygobius xanthozonus
A miniature, bottom-dwelling goby famous for its striking black and yellow stripes. While they are often sold as freshwater fish and can survive in it temporarily, they are highly susceptible to fungal infections in fresh water and truly require a brackish setup (SG 1.002-1.005) to thrive long-term. They are notoriously picky eaters, often ignoring flakes in favor of live or frozen foods (like bloodworms or brine shrimp).
Duboisi Cichlid (Tropheus)
Tropheus duboisi
An iconic Lake Tanganyika cichlid famous for its dramatic life-stage color change. Juveniles are jet black with brilliant white polka-dots, while adults develop a blue head and a distinctive yellow or white vertical band across a dark body. They are highly aggressive toward their own kind and must be kept in large colonies (10+) to disperse aggression. They are strict herbivores that require a specialized diet to avoid fatal digestive issues.
Guppy
Poecilia reticulata
One of the most iconic and widely kept aquarium fish. Renowned for their incredible colors, hardiness, and prolific breeding. As livebearers, they give birth to fully formed, free-swimming fry. Males constantly pursue females for mating; therefore, a ratio of at least 2 females per male is strongly recommended to disperse stress.
Clown Loach
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A highly popular but large-growing shoaling fish famous for eating nuisance snails. Known for their striking orange and black bands, they are highly social and must be kept in groups. They have no standard scales, making them sensitive to medications and prone to Ich, requiring pristine, warm water. They are known for their quirky behavior of sleeping on their sides or backs.
Dwarf Gourami
Trichogaster lalius
A peaceful to semi-aggressive labyrinth fish native to South Asia. Famous for their brilliant metallic blue and red stripes. While generally suitable for community tanks, males are territorial toward each other and similar-looking fish. They are sensitive to water quality and prone to Iridovirus if stressed. Requires access to the surface to breathe.