Badis juergenschmidti

Overview

First circulated as East Myanmar, Badis juergenschmidti comes from southeastern Myanmar. Males have a broad, solid dark tail-base bar and white caudal margins, without the opercular or upper pectoral-base blotches found in several relatives.

Its retiring, deliberate feeding and strong male territoriality favor a species aquarium where subordinate fish and breeding behavior can be monitored.

Distribution & habitat

It is known from the type locality in the Ka Dat Chaung system of Mon State, within the Sittaung drainage. During the dry-season collection, the small river was about 50 m wide but only 20–30 cm deep, flowing slowly over boulders, stones, and sand with patches of biofilm.

The June–November rainy season brings higher water, stronger flow, and increased turbidity, so the shallow dry-season setting is not a year-round description. A March water measurement was 26.9 °C. This is a field observation, not a complete long-term temperature range.

Aquarium setup

Arrange rounded stones, roots, and branches over sand or gravel to create multiple retreats. Floating plants and leaves add cover, while attached Microsorum, Taxiphyllum, and Anubias are optional.

Moderate illumination and gentle filtration suit the arrangement. Keep the water soft and mildly acidic to neutral. Include coconut shells or inverted clay pots with accessible openings, distributing caves across separate areas rather than concentrating territories in one corner.

Diet & feeding

The genus captures small aquatic crustaceans, worms, insect larvae, and zooplankton. Dry foods may be refused, making regular small live or frozen Artemia, Daphnia, and similar prey important. Confirm that slow individuals actually receive food.

Bloodworms and Tubifex are linked with obesity and health problems in these fishes and are best excluded from the regular menu.

Behaviour & compatibility

A dedicated aquarium is preferable. In limited space, keep a pair or one male with several females. Rival males can be highly aggressive; several require ample room, separate caves, and broken sight lines.

If companions are added, choose peaceful upper-water fishes that do not monopolize meals. Large or very active species can suppress this slow, shy fish. Watch for prolonged intimidation and missed feeding opportunities.

Sexual dimorphism

Females are smaller, duller, and rounder in profile. Mature males develop slightly extended fins. White edging along the upper and lower rear caudal margins and the dark tail-base band are useful male markings.

Breeding

Captive reproduction was achieved after the species was first collected in 2010. Members of the genus use caves and temporary pair bonds, with males caring for the brood. A dedicated breeding aquarium improves the prospects for raising young; provide an individual cave for each male and condition adults with live and frozen foods.

Typical generic observations include stronger color, increased male rivalry, and mouth-locking as a male leads a female into shelter. Batches commonly contain roughly 30–100 eggs. The male then expels the female and guards and fans the eggs.

Hatching takes about two to three days. Fry become free-swimming around six to eight days old and can stay near the cave for another week. Adults, including the father, may subsequently eat them, so separation becomes advisable. Initially inactive fry can take microworms, followed by Artemia nauplii when swimming in the water column.

Notes

Compared with Badis kyar, several body bars remain solid rather than splitting vertically, and male white fin margins are more conspicuous. The tail-base bar is broad and continuous instead of forming a central blotch or three separate spots. Combine these structural marks with collection locality rather than relying on temporary display color.