Hameleon or Badis Badis

Any aquarium would benefit from the unusual and fascinating addition of the Badis Badis, also referred to as the Chameleon Fish. Its ability to change color based on mood, surroundings, or breeding season gives it its name. This fascinating fish is fascinating to watch.

This tiny freshwater fish is indigenous to Bangladeshi and Indian rivers and streams that flow slowly. It grows best in a peaceful, planted aquarium where it can hide and explore among the ornaments and plants.

Given its reputation for gentleness, Badis Badis is a fantastic option for a tranquil community tank. It does, however, have particular care needs, and knowing what to do is crucial to maintaining the health and happiness of this fascinating fish.

Chameleon fish: description

The little freshwater fish’s capacity to alter its color in response to environmental factors gave rise to the moniker "chameleon." It can shift from orange to dark blue and even purple in color.

The color often has metallic undertones. Because of this characteristic, the aquatic animal can adjust to the predominant color of both the bottom layer’s objects and the natural aquatic environment.

• The fish is small in size: from 6 to 8 cm in length.
• The body of individuals is oval, flattened on the sides, the line of the body smoothly passes into the head with small black eyes and a small mouth.
• The dorsal fin is dense, long and quite high, it stretches along the entire back, only slightly not reaching the tail part.
• The pectoral fins are small but powerful.
• The tail of the fish has a semicircular fan -shaped shape, which helps the "chameleon" to quickly move.

Individuals within the species express their sexual characteristics quite clearly.

In comparison to males, females have much paler fins that are transparent, while male fins are painted the same color as the body. Furthermore, women are marginally smaller than their partners.

The conditions of the natural biotope

Asian fish known as badis are found in freshwater reservoirs in Bangladesh, Thailand, Nepal, India, and Pakistan.

They favor horseman-ridden, shallow, slowly flowing rivers or lakes that are covered in fallen leaves, snags, and flooded trees. The fish known as Homeleons imitate these items.

They can hunt smaller living things with success thanks to this characteristic. Indeed, the bads are carnivorous representatives of the aquatic fauna in Asia; they consume anything that they can fit into their mouths, including water insects, worms, snails, and small crustaceans.

As per the scientific classification, the fish is a member of the small family Badidae, which comprises approximately thirty different species of badis. There are a few that stand out among them in particular:

• Burmese Badis (Latin. Badis burmanicus),
• Siamese (Latin. Badis siamensis),
• simple Badis badis.

Experts surmise that the name Badis itself derives from the Latin word badius, which translates to "chestnut" in Russian.

This is a rather uncommon fish that typically inhabits small schools with one male and several females. Because of this, Asian aquatic chameleons are bred in specialized nurseries to meet the demands of aquarists.

Chameleon fish in an aquarium

Badis regarded as unassuming when kept in captivity. A novice aquarist could theoretically successfully maintain them. The fish can even survive in a nano aquarium due to its small size (unless you intend to keep other aquatic decorative animals).

Hameleon is unlikely to enjoy himself by himself, but he will feel wonderful in the company of two or three females. Thus, you need an aquarium that can hold at least 40 liters for such a school. Naturally, it’s important to keep fresh water within the proper parameters, which are as follows:

• temperature from +15 to +25 °C;
• hardness: from 3 to 15 °dH;
• pH balance either neutral or with a slight shift towards acidity – 6.0-7.5 pH.

It is, incidentally, advised to keep the sandy soil slightly acidic by mixing in peat or clay. It will not harm the soil substrate in the slightest to add a small amount of river silt.

Driftwood, coconut shells, tiny stone grottoes, and convex pieces of clay cups or pots should all be used to decorate the aquarium’s bottom.

Because chameleon fish dislike intense light, floating plants can be used to partially shade the aquarium’s surface. If there’s no vegetation, there shouldn’t be much light.

Biofiltration is a prerequisite for preservation. In addition, weekly water changes of ¼ of the total volume and moderate aeration must be planned. Additionally, the soil must be completely sifted once every two weeks to remove any remaining fish life.

The Badis Badis, popularly called the chameleon fish, is a small freshwater species that exhibits color changes in response to mood and surroundings. It is a fascinating addition to any aquarium, and both novice and expert aquarists will find it to be an excellent choice due to its easy care requirements, calm temperament, and unique behaviors.

Feeding

Although chameleon fish in nurseries naturally try to acclimate their young to dry food, they still have a preference for live food such as worms, daphnia, and corethra. But you can also incorporate commercially available dry food into this diet. Bloodworms or tubifex can also be administered, but in order to prevent stomach illnesses, they must be well cleaned.

Yes, you can bid cherry shrimp farewell for good if the aquarium is filled with them and "chameleons" are let loose inside. They’ll be consumed fast.

Compatibility

It is highly recommended by many seasoned badis owners to keep these "Asians" in species aquariums. This situation is linked to male aggression increasing during the spawning season.

However, Badis can get along quite well with ornamental fish of about the same size if the aquarium is big enough and has room for its own territory.

The coexistence of Badis with small catfish, neons, and certain characins is a positive experience.

Often referred to as the "chameleon fish," the Badis Badis is an interesting and distinctive addition to any aquarium. It is an interesting species to observe because of its capacity to change color in response to mood and surroundings. Although this fish is relatively simple to care for, it does need certain things to thrive, such as a well-planted tank and a varied diet.

The Badis Badis can exhibit its brilliant colors and organic behaviors if kept in a calm aquarium with lots of hiding places and a variety of live foods. You can provide the best habitat for this amazing fish if you are aware of its requirements and preferences.

The Badis Badis can be a fun and fulfilling option for people who enjoy watching the subtle interactions and color changes of aquarium fish. This "chameleon" fish has the potential to be the focal point of any home aquarium given the right care and attention.

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