Checker barb (Oliotius oligolepis) care guide

Group
Freshwater fish
Other names
Checkered barb, Chequer barb, Checkerboard barb, Island barb
Family
Cyprinidae (Smiliogastrinae, barbs)
Origin
Endemic to western central Sumatra, Indonesia, in creeks, rivers and lakes (type locality Lake Maninjau). Introduced to Colombia.
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
4.5 cm
Temperature
18–25°C
pH
5.5–7.5
Hardness
Soft to moderately hard, 2–12 dGH
Minimum tank
68 litres
Care level
beginner
Temperament
peaceful

Care

The checker barb is a small, peaceful barb that makes an excellent community fish. It is a schooling species: keep at least 6–10, and more if possible, as the fish are bolder and males colour up better in a larger group. A tank with a base of at least 75 × 30 cm (around 68 litres) is a sensible minimum. It does best in a well-planted tank with a darker substrate, some driftwood and open swimming space. It tends to stay in the middle and lower levels of the water. It is fairly adaptable: about 18–25 °C, pH roughly 5.5–7.5 and soft to moderately hard water (2–12 dGH), with the softer, slightly acidic end preferred. The name comes from the large, dark-edged scales that give the flanks a checkerboard look. Males are smaller and slimmer than females and much more colourful, with reddish-orange fins edged in black; females are plumper with yellowish to plain fins. It is bred commercially in huge numbers and wild fish are rarely seen in the trade. The species is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. Sources: Seriously Fish (seriouslyfish.com/species/oliotius-oligolepis/); FishBase (fishbase.se/summary/Oliotius-oligolepis.html); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Checkerbarb). Checked October 2026.

Diet

An omnivore that mainly eats aquatic invertebrates in the wild, with some plant matter. In the aquarium give a good small flake or granule plus regular small live or frozen foods such as bloodworm, Daphnia and Artemia.

Breeding

An egg-scattering free spawner that gives no parental care and will eat its eggs; a prolific spawner and a good first egg-scatterer to try. Use a separate breeding tank with fine-leaved plants, spawning mops or mesh over the base and soft, slightly acidic water. Spawning usually happens early in the morning. Remove the adults afterwards. Eggs hatch in 24–48 hours and the fry swim freely about a day later. Feed infusoria-sized foods first, then microworm and newly hatched brine shrimp.

Compatibility and tank mates

Very peaceful and suits most community tanks of small, calm fish: tetras, rasboras, small danios, livebearers, small gouramis, Corydoras and other small catfish, and loaches. Avoid large or aggressive species that might bully or eat it.

Last updated 5 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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