What is Badis limaakumi?

About Badis limaakumi:

• It is a new badis fish species discovered in Nagaland.
• It is locally known by many names, like “Tepdang” or “Akngashi (Chungli)” or “Aokngatsü (Mongsen)” or “Sempi” etc.
• It appears black in its natural habitat but undergoes a remarkable color change when placed in an aquarium or different environments.
• Features:
  • It has a comparatively large and slender body.
  • Absence of blotches on the sides and fins, as well as on the cleithrum.
  • Large number of lateral-line scales.

Key Facts about Badis species:

• It is a genus of small freshwater fish belonging to the family Badidae.
• Fish from the Badis species are also called Chameleon fish due to their ability to change colour rapidly when breeding, when wanting to blend into their surroundings, or when stressed.
• Distribution: They are found in freshwater bodies like rivers, ponds, and marshes in northern India, eastern Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal, including the Ganges, Brahmaputra, Mahanadi, and Indus basins.
• Currently, there are about 25 recognized badis species, out of which 15 have been reported from India.
• They are predatory in nature, feeding on tiny freshwater invertebrates.