Badis Badis

Badis Badis, also known as the blue perch or blue badis, is a small species of Asian freshwater fish. It is found in ponds, rivers, ditches and swamps in northern India, eastern Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal, including the Ganges, Brahmaputra, Mahanadi and Indus basins. It is sometimes kept as an aquarium fish. It is a small, micropredatory fish that feeds on tiny invertebrates and will not accept dried food. It is sexually dimorphic, with males growing larger and more colorful, especially when excited, compared to females. Adult males have blue fins and may display dark vertical bands on the flanks, while the smaller females display little color. The “chameleon fish” name refers to the unique ability of this fish, particularly adult males, to dramatically change colors during breeding and territorial behavior. The initial color in juveniles is mottled brown, tan, and red vertical striping. As the Blue Badis reaches maturity, males will often display more intense red and iridescent blue coloration on its fins.