Page 116 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

114 FRESHWATER FISH DIRECTORY

Badis badis
Indian Chameleon Fish

ORIGINS The Ganges region of India, Bangladesh, and
Nepal. Also recorded from Pakistan and Bhutan.
SIZE 3 in (7.5 cm). Male
DIET Prepared foods and live foods.
WATER Temperature 73–82°F (23–28°C); soft (50 mg/l)
and acidic (pH 6.0 –6.5).
TEMPERAMENT Usually quite peaceful.
These fish are sometimes called Chameleon Fish
due to their variable coloration, which is influenced
by their surroundings. Males are slightly larger and
more brightly colored than females. Variations in
appearance between chameleon fish may be slight.
The Indian species shown here has bluer tones than
its Burmese relative (Badis ruber), which is more
reddish. These fish need a densely planted tank
with a sandy base. Include a flowerpot laid on its
side to act as a spawning cave. The female will lay Female
up to 100 eggs in the cave, and the male
will watch over them until they hatch
about three days later. Use brine
shrimp as a rearing food for the
free-swimming fry. Raising the
water temperature slightly can
trigger spawning behavior. Males
become increasingly territorial at this stage,
so breeding pairs are best given their own tank.

Anabas testudineus Microctenopoma fasciolatum Ctenopoma acutirostre
Climbing Perch Banded Bushfish Leopard Ctenopoma

ORIGINS Asia, widely distributed from India to southern ORIGINS Central Africa, in the Congo River, Zaire, from ORIGINS Central Africa, occurring in central and lower
China and parts of Indonesia. close to Mosembe down to Boma at the river’s mouth. parts of the Congo River in Zaire.
SIZE 10 in (25 cm). SIZE 3 ⁄2 in (9 cm). SIZE 8 in (20 cm).
1
DIET Prepared foods and live foods. DIET Prepared foods and live foods. DIET Prepared foods and live foods.
WATER Temperature 61–82°F (16–28°C); soft (50 mg/l) WATER Temperature 75– 82°F (24–28°C); soft (50 mg/l) WATER Temperature 73–82°F (23–28°C); soft (50 mg/l)
and acidic (pH 6.0–6.5). and neutral (pH 7.0). and acidic (pH 6.5).
TEMPERAMENT Occasionally aggressive. TEMPERAMENT Aggressive. TEMPERAMENT Relatively placid but predatory.
Irregular dark bands run vertically across the body Relatively
of this fish. The dorsal and anal fins are more large eyes
pointed in males. The coloration is quite variable,
with some individuals having blue in their fins. The
banding is less obvious in juveniles, which tend to
be grayer overall. The Banded Bushfish is a bubble-
nesting species, and up to 1,000 eggs may be
produced at a single spawning. The fry are not
Males have
longer anal fins usually harmed by their parents.
Brownish in color, the Climbing Perch is a hardy
species. If its habitat dries up, it can use its pectoral This ctenopoma has a leopardlike pattern of spots,
fins to drag itself short distances over land to find with a much darker spot at the base of the caudal
a new stretch of water. When on land, it relies on fin. Leopard Ctenopomas tend to be more active
its labyrinth organs (see p.110) to meet its oxygen after dark. They are nervous by nature, but if
needs. Climbing Perch need to be housed in a their tank provides plenty of cover, the fish may
covered tank to prevent them from climbing out. eventually become tame. In the wild, they prey on
Their eggs may simply be left to float in the water, small fish and other aquatic creatures. Males have
since the males often do not construct bubble nests. small patches of defensive spines on their bodies.

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