Royal Rainbow Badis
Royal Rainbow Badis (Badis sp. ‘Buxar’) is an undescribed species from the Buxar region of Bihar, India — a fish that sits a tier above the standard Blue Badis in terms of color intensity and visual presence. Males develop an extraordinary shifting palette of iridescent blues, reds, and dark banding that intensifies dramatically when displaying — earning the 'Royal Rainbow' name with genuine justification. Slightly larger than the Blue Badis, it has more color and more personality packed into a fish that still fits comfortably in a nano aquarium.
Feeding & Care Tip: Sera Vipan Tropical Flakes and Hikari Micro Pellets make excellent daily staples. Supplement 2–3× per week with Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms, Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Brine Shrimp, Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Tubifex Worms, or Hikari Vibra Bites. Feed in a calm environment — this species is a deliberate, slow feeder that will be outcompeted by faster fish.
Named for the Buxar locality in Bihar, India — within the broader Ganges drainage system. As an undescribed species, its precise natural history is not fully documented, but habitat expectations are consistent with other Badis species: slow-moving streams and side channels with dense vegetation, leaf litter, and abundant structure. A heavily planted aquarium with tannin additions from driftwood or Indian almond leaves and multiple cave structures produces the most vivid male coloration.
Keep one male per tank, or one male per well-defined territory in a larger planted setup. Males are territorial and will fight. A single male with one or two females is the most reliable arrangement. Suitable tankmates include small, peaceful species in different water zones — nano rasboras, small tetras, small Corydoras. Avoid any active, fast-swimming species that will outcompete this slow, deliberate fish for food.
Cave spawner — provide coconut shells, clay pots, or PVC tubes as spawning sites. Males in breeding condition develop their most extraordinary color display. The 'Royal Rainbow' designation is fully justified when a dominant male is displaying at peak condition — few fish in this size class can match the intensity and variety of color.
Care & Ideal Parameters
| Difficulty | Easy — Moderate |
| Temperament | Territorial between males — peaceful with other species |
| Typical Adult Size | 2.5 inches (6.5 cm) |
| Min. Group Size | 1 male with 1–2 females per defined territory |
| Ideal Temp | 68–79°F (20–26°C) |
| Ideal pH | 6.5–7.5 |
| Ideal GH | 5–15 dGH |
| Ideal KH | 2–8 dKH |
| Staple Food | Sera Vipan Tropical Flakes; Hikari Micro Pellets |
| Treat / Supplement | Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms; Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Brine Shrimp; Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Tubifex Worms; Hikari Vibra Bites |
| Origin | Buxar region, Bihar, India (Ganges drainage) |
| Notes | Undescribed species — Badis sp. 'Buxar'. Larger and more colorful than Blue Badis. One male per territory. Tannin additions and cave structures important. Color most vivid in dominant displaying males. |
