Checkered Barb - Oliotius oligolepis

Checkered Barb (Oliotius oligolepis)

The Checkered Barb, Oliotius oligolepis, is a peaceful small barb with warm bronze, gold and copper tones, plus dark-edged scales that create its attractive chequered pattern. Also known as the Checker Barb, Chequer Barb or Checkerboard Barb, this species is a calm, sociable alternative to more boisterous barbs and works well in planted community aquariums. Best kept in a proper group, it is active, colourful and easy to enjoy without being overly demanding.

Common Name:
Checkered Barb, Checker Barb, Chequer Barb, Chequered Barb, Checkerboard Barb.

Scientific Name (Latin):
Oliotius oligolepis
Formerly known as Capoeta oligolepis and Puntius oligolepis.

Maximum Size:
Up to around 5 cm.

Water Type:
Freshwater

Origin / Natural Habitat:
Native to Sumatra, Indonesia, where it is found in freshwater creeks, rivers and lakes. In nature, it uses mid-to-lower water levels and forages among vegetation, submerged structure and quieter freshwater margins.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 20–24°C
pH Range: 6.0–7.5
Hardness or Salinity: Soft to moderately hard freshwater; best in clean, stable water and not ideal for aquariums kept at very high tropical temperatures.

Temperament:
Peaceful and sociable. Checkered Barbs are one of the gentler barb species and are well suited to planted community aquariums. Males may display or lightly spar, but serious aggression is unlikely when they are kept in a suitable group with enough space and cover.

Diet:
Omnivorous. In the wild, this species feeds on small worms, crustaceans, insects and plant matter. In the aquarium, offer quality tropical flakes, micro pellets, small granules, frozen daphnia, brineshrimp, cyclops, bloodworm and occasional vegetable or spirulina-based foods. A varied diet helps support colour, condition and natural activity.

Minimum Tank Size:
A minimum of 75 litres is recommended for a small group, with 90 litres or more preferred for a larger shoal in a planted community aquarium.

Behaviour & Activity:
An active mid-to-lower level shoaling fish that becomes more confident and colourful when kept in numbers. Keep at least 6 individuals, with 8–10 or more preferred. Males can show stronger colour and display behaviour when females are present. Provide planted areas, shaded cover, wood and open swimming space.

Aquarium Category:
Community Fish
Suitable with peaceful tetras, rasboras, danios that enjoy similar temperatures, Corydoras, small loaches, peaceful gouramis, dwarf rainbowfish and other calm community fish. Avoid large predatory fish, aggressive cichlids, very boisterous barbs and tank mates that require consistently high temperatures.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Keep in groups rather than singly or in pairs. A planted aquarium with darker substrate, floating plants or shaded areas will help them feel secure and show their patterning well. They prefer cooler tropical conditions, so avoid prolonged high temperatures. Maintain good water quality with regular water changes, and do not add them to brand-new or unstable aquariums.

Suitable for:
Beginner to intermediate fishkeepers

Availability:
Occasional in trade / Captive-bred where relevant

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.