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Khwae chameleonfish (Badis khwae) — Badidae

Khwae chameleonfish

Badis khwae
Family: Badidae

The Khwae chameleonfish (Badis khwae) is a freshwater fish of the family Badidae that grows up to 3 cm.

Length
2.9 cm
Water
Freshwater
Depth
0.0–2.0 m
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Thailand

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Description

The Khwae chameleonfish is a small perch-like fish (Badidae) from fresh water of western Thailand. The species grows to about 3 cm and has a stocky body that can rapidly change colour and pattern, hence the nickname chameleonfish. As a bottom-dweller it shelters among plants, roots and leaf litter of slow-flowing water and snaps at small invertebrates and larvae. It is a cave brooder. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Khwae chameleonfish?

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

Where does the Khwae chameleonfish live?

The Khwae chameleonfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Asia: Thailand

How big does the Khwae chameleonfish get?

The Khwae chameleonfish grows to a maximum of about 3 cm.

Is the Khwae chameleonfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Khwae 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.

More photos

Khwae chameleonfish (Badis khwae) — Badidae — 2
Florida Museum of Natural History Ichthyology (CC BY-NC 4.0) via GBIF — UF
Khwae chameleonfish (Badis khwae) — Badidae — 3
Florida Museum of Natural History Ichthyology (CC BY-NC 4.0) via GBIF — UF
Khwae chameleonfish (Badis khwae) — Badidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) muangpaisuetrong, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Khwae chameleonfish (Badis khwae) — Badidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) muangpaisuetrong, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Khwae chameleonfish sourced
Scientific name
Badis khwae
Family
Badidae

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
2.0 verified
Natural range
Asia: Thailand 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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