Blue Badis (Badis badis) is an intermediate-level freshwater fish that needs at least 10 gallons and 68-79°F. A small ambush hunter that slowly shifts color and likes to sit among plants and caves. It is more relaxed than a scarlet badis but still prefers live or frozen foods and a calm tank with hiding places.
Care facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Badis badis |
|---|---|
| Family | Badidae |
| Origin | India, Bangladesh and Nepal |
| Adult size | 2 in |
| Minimum tank | 10 gallons |
| Temperature | 68-79°F |
| pH | 6.0-7.5 |
| Temperament | Peaceful but shy; males territorial toward each other |
| Social behavior | One male with a few females, or a pair |
| Swim level | Bottom to mid |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Diet | Carnivore: live and frozen foods such as baby brine shrimp, bloodworms and daphnia |
| Typical lifespan | 4-5 years |
Quick tips
- Stock live or frozen foods before buying; many refuse dry foods.
- Provide caves and plants for male territories.
- Keep with calm, small tankmates.
San Diego water
Captive-bred stock usually adapts to San Diego tap water with slow acclimation. For best color and health, many keepers blend tap with RO/DI water. Learn the numbers in our San Diego tap water guide.
Before you buy
Make sure your tank is cycled (how to cycle a tank), check your numbers with the water testing guide, and use the compatibility guide to check tankmates. These are general ranges; individual fish and local water vary.
Find it at Pet Zone
Pet Zone Tropical Fish is a San Diego aquarium store with two locations. Stock changes daily, so call ahead if you are after a specific species or plant. Shop online at petzonesd.com.
4160 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 987-0309
Open daily, 10am-6pm
Aquascaping, planted tanks
4266 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92105
(619) 283-1812
Closed Monday; Tue-Fri 10:30am-6pm, Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 11am-4pm
Monster fish, koi