Moderate
Assam Badis (Badis assamensis)
18–24°C · pH 6.5–7.5 · 60L
£12.99
Tiny specialist Indostomus paradoxus for mature planted nano aquariums with gentle flow, dense cover, quiet tank mates and very small live or frozen foods.
Adult size is the maximum length this species reaches at full maturity (scientific sources). The livestock you receive will be younger and smaller — pick a size variant above for the actual shipping size. Photos are AI-enhanced, so the animal may show subtle colour or marking differences.
Indostomus paradoxus
Armoured Stickleback are a shoaling species — they need 6+ to feel safe and show their full colour. Larger shoals stay calmer, eat better, and look stunning.
Tiny specialist Indostomus paradoxus for mature planted nano aquariums with gentle flow, dense cover, quiet tank mates and very small live or frozen foods.
Adult size is the maximum length this species reaches at full maturity (scientific sources). The livestock you receive will be younger and smaller — pick a size variant above for the actual shipping size. Photos are AI-enhanced, so the animal may show subtle colour or marking differences.
Maintain these water conditions for optimal health and vibrant colors
Armoured Stickleback (Indostomus paradoxus) is a tiny specialist oddball for mature planted nano aquariums. It is not a normal community fish or a beginner impulse purchase. The appeal is in its miniature armoured body, hovering posture and quiet behaviour, but success depends on gentle surroundings and food small enough for its narrow mouth.
This listing is currently out of stock. Use the care notes below to decide whether your aquarium is ready before the next restock; this fish suits patient keepers who already maintain stable nano systems and can provide tiny live or frozen foods.
| Scientific name | Indostomus paradoxus |
|---|---|
| Common names | Armoured Stickleback, Paradox Fish, Toothpick Fish |
| Adult size | Around 3 cm |
| Minimum aquarium | 40 litres or larger for better stability |
| Temperature | 22-26 C |
| pH | 6.5-7.5, with low to moderate hardness |
| Temperament | Peaceful, shy and easily outcompeted |
| Diet | Tiny live or frozen foods such as daphnia, cyclops and baby brine shrimp |
Armoured Stickleback is best kept in a mature planted aquarium with gentle filtration, fine-leaved plants, moss, leaf litter or root cover. Keep the flow calm and the lighting moderate. Stability matters more than chasing dramatic numbers, because small aquariums can shift quickly if feeding, cleaning or temperature changes are rushed.
A species-focused setup is usually the safest choice. These fish are peaceful, but they are slow and deliberate feeders. Fast tetras, barbs, danios, guppies and larger bottom fish can take food before Indostomus paradoxus has a chance to feed.
Plan the food before ordering. Use very small live or frozen foods, then watch each fish feed rather than assuming food in the tank is being eaten. Daphnia, cyclops, microworms and baby brine shrimp are more realistic than large flakes or chunky frozen foods.
Feed lightly and remove uneaten food. In a nano aquarium, extra food can spoil the water faster than the fish can tolerate. A small group in a calm, well-planted tank usually feeds more confidently than a single fish kept in a busy display.
Choose companions only if they are calm, tiny and not competitive at feeding time. Small snails and very gentle micro fish can work in the right aquarium, but a dedicated species setup is often better. Avoid boisterous feeders, large fish, fin-nippers and anything that needs strong current.
For similar quiet nano choices, compare Assam Badis, Black Tiger Dario, Mosquito Rasbora, Sparkling Gourami and Emerald Dwarf Danio. You can also browse the Indostomus category for restocks.
Armoured Stickleback is currently unavailable. When restocked, eligible livestock orders are sent by licensed live-animal courier and covered by the Live Arrival Guarantee when the delivery, receiving and acclimation instructions are followed. First-time customers can use WELCOME10 where the discount terms apply.
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