Badis pyema

Overview

The slender mountain badid Badis pyema has flank markings made from irregular dark spots and a blotch on each side of the tail peduncle. Its flowing-stream habitat calls for more current than most congeners, together with ample shelter.

Distribution & habitat

It is known from the remote Putao area of Kachin State in northern Myanmar. The type specimens came from Nan Hto Chaung in the Ayeyarwady system.

At collection, the shaded forest stream was about 3 m wide, shallow, and fast, with intermittent riffles. Clear, colorless water passed over rock, gravel, and sand. Aquatic plants were absent, but dense bank vegetation provided substantial shade alongside a varied stream-fish community.

Aquarium setup

Use sand or gravel with rounded stones, roots, and branches to form separate retreats. Modest light, floating cover, and leaves suit the arrangement; attached Microsorum, Taxiphyllum, and Anubias can be included.

Provide a visible current, somewhat stronger than in an ordinary slow-water badid setup. Coconut shells or clay pots with entrances serve as caves. Spread them across separate areas and interrupt sight lines between males.

Maintain soft water rather than increasing hardness simply because pH is near neutral. Seasonal temperature changes are tolerated. Heating can be unnecessary where room conditions stay suitable all year, while a gentle rise within the normal range may encourage spawning.

Diet & feeding

The genus takes small aquatic crustaceans, worms, insect larvae, and zooplankton. Dry foods may be rejected, and regular live or frozen Artemia, Daphnia, or glassworms remain important even after acceptance improves.

Ensure that these slow, cautious feeders obtain food. Bloodworms and Tubifex are associated with obesity and health problems and are best omitted from the regular menu.

Behaviour & compatibility

Prefer a dedicated aquarium. A pair or one male with several females suits limited space. It does not require a large group, and rival males may fight intensely. Multiple males need individual territories, caves, and effective escape from each other's view.

If companions are used, consider peaceful small upper-water fishes or suitable miniature stream catfishes. Large, busy, or strongly competitive species may suppress feeding and should be avoided.

Sexual dimorphism

Females are smaller, paler, and rounder in profile. Mature males are more elongated with slightly extended fins.

Breeding

This species has been bred repeatedly in captivity. The genus uses temporary pair bonds and cave spawning, with male care. A dedicated breeding arrangement improves fry survival: provide each male a separate cave and condition the adults with live and frozen foods.

Typical generic accounts describe stronger male color and rivalry, sometimes mouth-locking to draw females into caves, followed by roughly 30–100 eggs. The female is then excluded, and the male guards and fans the brood. Eggs hatch in about two to three days. Fry swim freely around six to eight days old and may stay near the cave for another week.

Adults, including the father, may subsequently eat dispersing fry, so separation becomes advisable. Microworms suit the initially inactive young; add Artemia nauplii once they move into the water column.

Notes

Both this species and Badis kyar are slender, but the latter has more continuous dark flank bars and a solid tail-peduncle band. Here the bars consist of small spots and the tail peduncle bears separate side blotches. Compared with Badis corycaeus, it is slimmer and less darkly colored.