Aquarium fish chameleons. Chameleon fish - peaceful, small, rare

Despite the fact that small badis-badis fish are relatively unpretentious, they can rarely be found in our domestic aquariums. Perhaps this is due to the lack of awareness of many amateurs aquatic fauna. Let's try to fill this knowledge gap.

Nickname "chameleon" little freshwater fish received because of its ability to change color under the influence external conditions. It can change its color from orange to dark blue and even purple.

Metallic shades are often present in the color. This quality allows the aquatic animal to adapt to the basic color of the natural aquatic environment and objects located in the bottom layer.

The fish is small in size: from 6 to 8 cm long.
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 rather high; it stretches along the entire back, only slightly short of the tail.
The pectoral fins are small but powerful.
The fish's tail has a semicircular fan-shaped shape, which helps the “chameleon” move quickly.

The sexual characteristics of individuals of the species are expressed quite clearly.

Females are much paler than males, their fins are transparent, and in males they are colored to match the color of the body. In addition, females are slightly smaller than their partners.

Conditions of the natural biotope

Badis-badis are Asian fish that are found in fresh water bodies of India, Pakistan, Nepal, Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Thailand.

They prefer shallow, slow-flowing rivers or lakes with a muddy bottom covered with fallen leaves, snags, and flooded trees. It is these objects that chameleon fish mimic.

This property allows them to successfully hunt smaller animals. Yes, badis are carnivorous representatives of Asian aquatic fauna, they eat everything they can swallow: worms, snails and tiny crustaceans, larvae, aquatic insects and other natural zooplankton.

According to scientific classification, the fish belongs to the small family Badidae, which includes about 30 species of badis. Among them there are several particularly notable representatives:

Burmese badis (lat. Badis burmanicus),
Siamese (lat. Badis siamensis),
simple Badis badis.

The primary difference between individuals of these species is only in color.

The name Badis itself, experts believe, comes from the Latin term badius, which translated into Russian means “chestnut”.

In general, this is a rather rare fish, living in small schools (one male and several females, as a rule). That is why, for the needs of aquarium hobby, such Asian aquatic chameleons are bred in special nurseries.

Chameleon fish in an aquarium

Badis are considered unpretentious when living in captivity. In principle, even a novice aquarist can successfully keep them. Since the fish has small sizes, then it can even live in a nano-aquarium (unless, of course, you plan to keep other aquatic ornamental animals).

Alone, the “chameleon” is unlikely to have any fun, but in the company of 2-3 females he will feel great. Therefore, for such a flock you need an aquarium with a capacity of 40 liters or more. Naturally, it is necessary to maintain appropriate fresh water parameters, namely:

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

The bottom of the aquarium should be decorated with driftwood, convex fragments of clay cups or pots, small stone grottoes, and coconut shells.

All of the items listed will be places suitable for subsequent spawning.

Chameleon fish do not like bright light, so floating plants can be placed on the surface of the aquarium to provide partial shading. If there is no vegetation, then the light should be dimmed.

A necessary condition of detention. It is also necessary to organize moderate aeration and weekly water changes in the amount of ¼ of the total amount. It should also be thoroughly cleaned of any remaining fish waste about once every 2 weeks.

Feeding

In nurseries, they try, of course, to accustom chameleon fish to dry food, but they still prefer live food: worms, daphnia, and coretra. However, dry commercial food can also be included in this diet. Tubifex or bloodworms can also be given, but they must be washed well to avoid stomach diseases.

Yes, if the aquarium contains cherry shrimp and “chameleons” are released into it, then you can say goodbye to shrimp forever. They will be quickly eaten.

Compatibility

Many experienced badis owners strongly recommend keeping these “Asians” in species aquariums. This circumstance is associated with increased aggression of males during the spawning period.

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

There is a positive experience of badis living together with small catfish, some characins.

Reproduction

This is also possible in a community aquarium. Spawning is usually stimulated by slightly increasing the water temperature (to about 28–29 °C).

Before spawning, the males become more aggressive; they mark the territory where the female will then spawn.

The female lays about 100 tiny eggs in some shelter, after which her role ends. The male gets down to business, not only vigilantly guarding the clutch, but also fanning the eggs with his powerful fins.

The fry hatch after 2–3 days, and after another 4–5 days they begin to actively swim. It is at this time that the fry (or, conversely, adults) must be removed. Otherwise, the cubs may become live food. The starting food for juveniles is usually brine shrimp and microworms.

Chameleon fish deserve to take their rightful place in the domestic aquarium hobby. Bright and lively, they can decorate any home aquarium.

Badis badis are kept in a small aquarium with a volume of 40-50 liters. Lay sand or gravel on the bottom and install a sufficient number of shelters. You can create a semblance of a natural biotope by dressing the tank in Java moss, anubias or Thai fern. Twigs, driftwood, leaves will help create natural decorations.

Badis don't like bright lighting and open space, so it is recommended to plant floating plants in the aquarium, and add shelter in the form of coconuts and clay peas to the bottom. Acceptable parameters of the aquatic environment: water temperature 20-25 degrees Celsius, acidity 6.0-7.5 pH, water hardness average. Badis badis is a heat-resistant species that gets used to temperature changes. Increasing the water temperature by several degrees and a large number of shelters are a stimulus for spawning.

The badis badis fish is a timid creature, slow and timid. It is better to keep them in a separate aquarium, in a calm and stable environment. If shrimp live with them, then the badis can eat their fry. Within the family it also appears aggressive behavior, it is better to house several females for one male. Their disposition is calmed by soft light and “houses” where they can hide from the hustle and bustle.

Breeding

To breed Badis, you need a 20-liter aquarium densely planted with plants, put a pot or flat stone in it. Lighting should be dim. The water temperature in the aquarium should be 26° C, pH 6.5, dH up to 7°.. There should only be one pair of breeders in the aquarium. Some males build holes in the sand before spawning. Spawning occurs either in a pot or on a stone.

Males behave aggressively and defend territory. The male takes care of the eggs and, in the future, the fry. Therefore, immediately after spawning, the female can be removed. The larvae appear after 48 hours. After 7 days, the fry can be fed with Artemia larvae. Juveniles are inactive and constantly stay near the bottom.

Actually, this type fish is very prolific and can be bred continuously.

Feeding

Wild badis feed on worms, insects, larvae and zooplankton. Aquarium badis The fish are unpretentious, eat live and frozen food: daphnia, coretra, artemia. Artificial food is not particularly welcome, although some pets get used to it. The more varied the diet, the stronger their health and the brighter their body color.

It is important to ensure that neighbors do not take away the food, because badis are shy. They can get inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract if fed with tubifex or bloodworms. Small catfish, as neighbors, will not take away food, but will rather eat what they have not eaten.

Chameleon fish: description

The small freshwater fish received the nickname “chameleon” because of its ability to change color under the influence of external conditions. It can change its color from orange to dark blue and even purple.

Metallic shades are often present in the color. This quality allows the aquatic animal to adapt to the basic color of the natural aquatic environment and objects located in the bottom layer.

The fish is small in size: from 6 to 8 cm long.
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 rather high; it stretches along the entire back, only slightly short of the tail.
The pectoral fins are small but powerful.
The fish's tail has a semicircular fan-shaped shape, which helps the “chameleon” move quickly.

The sexual characteristics of individuals of the species are expressed quite clearly.

Females are much paler than males, their fins are transparent, and in males they are colored to match the color of the body. In addition, females are slightly smaller than their partners.

Chameleon fish in an aquarium

Badis are considered unpretentious when living in captivity. In principle, even a novice aquarist can successfully keep them. Since the fish is small in size, it can even live in a nano-aquarium (unless, of course, you plan to keep other aquatic ornamental animals).

The bottom of the aquarium should be decorated with driftwood, convex fragments of clay cups or pots, small stone grottoes, and coconut shells.

All of the items listed will be places suitable for subsequent spawning.

Chameleon fish do not like bright light, so floating plants can be placed on the surface of the aquarium to provide partial shading. If there is no vegetation, then the light should be dimmed.

Biofiltration is a necessary maintenance condition. It is also necessary to organize moderate aeration and weekly water changes in the amount of ¼ of the total amount. You should also thoroughly siphon the soil approximately once every 2 weeks, clearing it of any remaining fish activity.

Compatibility

Many experienced badis owners strongly recommend keeping these “Asians” in species aquariums. This circumstance is associated with increased aggression of males during the spawning period.

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

There is a positive experience of badis living together with small catfish, neons, and some characins.

GENDER DIFFERENCES

It is very easy to distinguish males from females; females are smaller, paler in color, and noticeably fuller than males. Unfortunately, males are imported more often, as they are bright and sell better.

Badis badis or chameleon fish is not a very common pet in home aquariums. Despite its miniature size and beautiful color, few people know about it. Can be kept in nano aquariums. Badis is a fish that belongs to the Nandidae family and is its only species. Three subspecies are known: Badis badis, Badis burmanicus, Badis siamensis. They all differ in color, the former have a bluish-brown and bluish-gray body, the latter has red scales. All badis are capable of changing color; they are called “chameleons” for a reason.

Previously, fish of the Nandidae family lived all over the world, but they remained only in the waters of Africa, Asia and South America. They prefer rivers and streams with slow currents, where they are well camouflaged. They spend most of their life in leaves and driftwood that have fallen to the bottom. They are difficult to find in nature due to their excellent camouflage environment. The body of males measures 5-7 cm, females are slightly smaller. Sexual dimorphism is pronounced - females are small, with pale scales, more rounded than males. Aquarists prefer to buy males because of their brighter colors.

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Conditions of detention

Look what Badis badis looks like.

Badis do not like bright lighting and open space, so it is recommended to plant floating plants in the aquarium, and add shelter in the form of coconuts and clay pots to the bottom. Acceptable parameters of the aquatic environment: water temperature 20-25 degrees Celsius, acidity 6.0-7.5 pH, water hardness average. Badis badis is a heat-resistant species that gets used to temperature changes. An increase in water temperature by several degrees and a large number of shelters stimulate spawning.

The badis badis fish is a timid creature, slow and timid. It is better to keep them in a separate aquarium, in a calm and stable environment. If shrimp live with them, then the badis can eat their fry. Aggressive behavior also manifests itself within the family; it is better to house several females for one male. Their disposition is calmed by soft light and “houses” where they can hide from the hustle and bustle.

Feeding

Wild badis feed on worms, insects, larvae and zooplankton. Aquarium badis fish are unpretentious; they eat live and frozen food: daphnia, coretra, artemia. Artificial food is not particularly welcome, although some pets get used to it. The more varied the diet, the stronger their health and the brighter their body color.

Look at the badis in the same aquarium with shrimp.

Breeding rules

Breeding is possible in a separate spawning area with a volume of 20 liters, where there are dense plants and dim lighting. The water temperature rises to 28-30 degrees, the acidity of the water is acceptable 6.5 pH, hardness 7 dH. A female or several females are placed with him.

At the beginning of spawning, males become active, display their colors in front of females, and invite them to their territory. The body takes on an almost black color, the fins suddenly turn blue. The male and female touch each other's lips while hiding in a shelter.

Young females lay 30-100 small and sticky eggs; after laying, they are deposited. The male badis takes care of the offspring. Strengthens the flow of water by fanning the eggs with its fins. The larvae of the fry appear within a day, and begin to swim within a week. When they start swimming on their own, it is better to separate them from their parents, otherwise they will be eaten. The body of the fry is almost transparent, with black spots on the head and tail. The initial food for baby badis is microworms, food for fry, later you can add artemia naupilia.

Originates from Southeast Asia from the territory of modern India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Thailand. It lives in shallow, rather muddy sections of rivers with slow flows and abundant vegetation. The bottom is usually viscous, silted and littered with numerous branches, leaves and other woody debris.

Brief information:

Aquarium volume - from 50 l.
Temperature - 20–24°C
pH value - 6.0–7.5
Water hardness - soft to medium hard (3–15 dGH)
Substrate type - sand and gravel
Lighting - dim/moderate
Brackish water - no
Water movement - weak or absent
The size of the fish is up to 5 cm.
Food - any food
Temperament - relatively peaceful
Keeping alone or in a male/female pair

Description

Adults reach a length of up to 6 cm. Color is variable and depends on the environment, and can vary from orange to blue or purple. A similar feature is reflected in the name of the fish - “Chameleon”. Males are somewhat larger than females and are brighter in color, especially during the mating season.

Nutrition

They are carnivorous species, but the breeders managed to accustom Badis to dry food, so there will be no problems with feeding in a home aquarium. It is recommended to include in the diet live or frozen meat products (bloodworms, daphnia, brine shrimp), which contribute to the development of better coloring.

Maintenance and care, arrangement of the aquarium

The size of an aquarium for one or a pair of fish starts from 50 liters. The design uses a sand and gravel substrate, shade-loving rooting plants and clusters of floating plants, as well as shelter in the form of tree branches and roots, and various snags. As future spawning grounds, you can use decorative objects that form grottoes, caves, or simple ceramic pots turned on their sides.
Optimal housing conditions are achieved with low or medium lighting levels and weak internal flow. The water temperature should not be higher than 23–24°C. The equipment is configured based on these conditions; in some cases, you can do without a heater. Hydrochemical indicators pH and dGH have wide permissible values and are not so critical.
Aquarium maintenance comes down to regular cleaning of the soil from organic waste and weekly replacement of part of the water (10–15% of the volume) with fresh water.

Behavior and Compatibility

It is a calm and slow fish, so you should avoid sharing with active and/or large species that can intimidate Badis. But miniature cyprinids such as Rasbora Harlequin, Rasbora Espes and the like, as well as small flocks of characins, can become excellent neighbors.
Intraspecific relationships are built on the dominance of the alpha male in a specific territory. In a small aquarium, it is worth keeping only one male paired with a female. If there are several males, they can arrange fierce fights among themselves.

Breeding/reproduction

The appearance of fry in a community aquarium is quite possible; the Badis chameleon has well-developed parental instincts, like other labyrinth fish, so it will care for and protect future offspring.
Spawning occurs in shelters similar to caves, under the arch of which the eggs are located. Ceramic pots turned on their sides are perfect for this role. With the beginning mating season the male acquires a more intense dark color, and his behavior becomes quite warlike if someone violates the boundaries of his territory, the center of which is the spawning ground. The male makes attempts to literally drag the female into his shelter; if she is ready, she succumbs to his demands.
When the eggs are laid, the female leaves the cave, and the male remains to guard the clutch and fry until they begin to swim freely. It doesn't take one to one and a half weeks. Then the male loses interest in them and it is advisable to move the juveniles to a separate tank with identical conditions.

Fish diseases

The main cause of most diseases is unsuitable living conditions and poor quality food. If the first symptoms are detected, you should check the water parameters and the presence of high concentrations of hazardous substances (ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, etc.), if necessary, bring the indicators back to normal, and only then begin treatment. Read more about symptoms and treatment methods in the section "

Badis badis or chameleon fish is not very common in hobbyist aquariums. It’s a pity, because in addition to its bright color, it is also small in size and suitable for keeping even in nano-aquariums.

Badis badis belongs to the family Nandidae, in which it is the only representative. IN this moment Three subspecies have been described: B. b. badis, B. b. burmanicus (Burmese), and B. b. siamensis (Siamese). They differ in color, two are bluish-gray or brownish, and B. b. burmanicus reddish.

However, it is not for nothing that the badis is called a chameleon fish; it is capable of changing color depending on the environment.

Habitat in nature

It is believed that the Nandidae family was previously distributed throughout the world, but now its representatives live in Asia, Africa and South America.

For many years they have been considered a widespread fish in Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Thailand. Badis are common in the Ganges and its many tributaries.

In nature, they live in slow-moving streams and ponds with standing water. They are masters of disguise, and carry out most of his life, hiding under fallen leaves and snags at the bottom of reservoirs.

All members of the badis family are capable of changing their color, mimicking their environment. To find it in nature, you will have to try very hard.

Males of badis grow to only 5-6 cm in length, and females are even smaller.

B. badis will thrive in an aquarium of at least 40 liters, with a sandy or gravel bottom and plenty of hiding places. Ideally, create a biotope. Many types of plants are suitable, but those that can be added to the decor are especially good.

For example, Java moss, anubias or Thai fern. Snags, branches, dry leaves will create a more natural look in the aquarium, provide shelter, and make the water more similar in parameters to that in which badis live in nature.

This fish does not like bright light and open spaces, so it’s better to put floating plants on the surface of the water, and put coconuts and pots in the aquarium.

By the way, good conditions for them will be: pH 6.0 – 7.5 and medium hardness. As for water temperature, chameleon fish live in climates where the air temperature varies throughout the year and are able to tolerate temperatures of 15 – 25 °C and higher, but for a short period.

Usually, when the temperature rises, they begin to spawn, and if there are shelters in the aquarium, they can do this in general.

Compatibility

Members of the Nandidae family are typically slow-moving and rely on their ability to change color and hide to protect themselves.

Small and timid, badis do best in a separate, biotope aquarium, where no one will disturb them. However, they can eat fry and shrimp such as cherries.

Intranatal aggression is also expressed, and it is better to keep one male and several females, or a pair. The problem of aggression can be solved with the help of a large number of shelters and a large aquarium.

Sex differences

It is very easy to distinguish males from females; females are smaller, paler in color, and noticeably fuller than males.

Unfortunately, males are imported more often, as they are bright and sell better.

Feeding

In nature, badis eat worms, aquatic insects, larvae and other zooplankton. The aquarium may refuse artificial food, although in most cases they get used to it over time.

In any case, they need to be regularly fed with live and frozen food - brine shrimp, daphnia, and bark. The more varied and nutritious the food, the brighter the color of the fish. They are shy and cautious; it is important to choose neighbors who will not take food from them.

They are prone to inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, and it is better to exclude food such as tubifex or bloodworms from the diet, or rinse them very well.

Breeding

Badis spawn in shelters, and it is not difficult to breed them in a community aquarium. It is better to remove other fish at this time if you want to raise the fry as much as possible, but in an aquarium with a lot of hiding places, the survival rate is usually quite high without this.

Badis can spawn either in pairs or in groups, but each male needs a separate shelter, which he will protect. Water parameters are the same as usual, but slight increase water temperature serves as an incentive for breeding. A large amount of live food also stimulates reproduction.

Once spawning time arrives, males become very pugnacious and begin to exhibit pre-spawning behavior, inviting females into their territory. They become very beautiful, the body darkens to black, and the fins glow blue.

Typical behavior is when the partners lock lips; the male practically drags the female into his hiding place.

The female lays from 30 to 100 eggs, after which she can be deposited, since the male takes care of the eggs. He guards her and fans her with his fins, increasing the flow of water.

The larva hatches after 24-36 hours, and the fry begins to swim after 6-8 days. However, during the first week they do not leave the shelter. After the fry begin to spread out, it is better to remove them, since the badis can perceive them as food.

The starting food for the fry is a microworm and commercial food; as they grow, they produce artemia nauplii.

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