Black Tiger Badis

Description

The Black Tiger Badis (Badis sp. “Black Tiger”) is a rare and striking freshwater fish known for its dark vertical bands against a deep brown or black body, giving it a unique tiger-like appearance. This small and secretive species is part of the Badidae family, closely related to gouramis, and is prized for its intriguing behavior and subtle beauty.
In the wild, Black Tiger Badis are found in the slow-moving, heavily vegetated waters of India and Bangladesh, where they prefer shaded environments with leaf litter and submerged wood. They are micro-predators, feeding on tiny aquatic invertebrates such as insect larvae and small crustaceans.
In aquariums, the Black Tiger Badis thrives in a densely planted tank with soft substrate, driftwood, and hiding spots to mimic its natural habitat. They are shy and territorial, so they should be housed in species-only tanks or with small, peaceful tankmates such as small rasboras and shrimp. Due to their specialized diet, they do best when offered live or frozen foods rather than dry pellets or flakes.
Growing to about 5 cm (2 inches), the Black Tiger Badis is best suited for small to medium aquariums with stable water parameters. Its unique markings, reclusive nature, and predatory hunting behavior make it a fascinating choice for aquarists interested in keeping nano predatory fish.