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Kanabos chameleonfish (Badis kanabos) — Badidae

Kanabos chameleonfish

Badis kanabos
Family: Badidae

The Kanabos chameleonfish (Badis kanabos) is a freshwater fish of the family Badidae that grows up to 4 cm.

Length
3.6 cm
Water
Freshwater
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: India

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Description

The Kanabos chameleonfish is a chameleonfish (Badidae) from slow-flowing, shaded fresh water of Myanmar in Southeast Asia. The species grows to about 5 cm and has a stocky body that can change colour quickly with mood and surroundings, from brown to blue or red. As a shy, territorial bottom-dweller it shelters among leaf litter, roots and plants and snaps at small invertebrates and insect larvae. The male guards the brood in a small cave. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Kanabos chameleonfish?

The Kanabos chameleonfish has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Kanabos chameleonfish live?

The Kanabos chameleonfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Asia: India

How big does the Kanabos chameleonfish get?

The Kanabos chameleonfish grows to a maximum of about 4 cm.

Is the Kanabos chameleonfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Kanabos chameleonfish is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
Kanabos chameleonfish sourced
Scientific name
Badis kanabos
Family
Badidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
3.6 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Natural range
Asia: India sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Badis

More from the family Badidae

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