Checker barb
Oliotius oligolepis
FishFreshwater
- Care level
- Easy
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Recommended tank
- 60 L
- Maximum size
- 5 cm
- Temperature
- 20–26 °C
- pH
- 6–7.5
- Group size
- ≥ 6
- Diet
- Omnivore
Care at a glance
The checker barb from Sumatra owes its name to the chequerboard pattern created by the dark scale edges along its flank. Males are coppery red with black-edged fins, while females stay silvery brown and a little fuller.
It is one of the calmest barbs, tolerates cooler temperatures and fits well in a community tank with smaller fish. Keep it in a group over a dark substrate with planting; it will then dare to show itself out in the open.
Related species
Keep Checker barb in the BlubHub app
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Values are mainstream hobbyist guidance, not gospel — always watch what your own animals need.