Checkered Barb

Oliotius oligolepis

Checkered Barb is a peaceful bottom-to-middle swimmer. Keep in a school of at least 6.

PeacefulBottom to middle swimmerKeep in a school of at least 6Beginner – Intermediate

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Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 1.8" (≤ 4.5 cm)
Aquarium size: 21 US gal (80 L) or larger / ≥ 29.5" (≥ 75 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Bottom to middle swimmer
Temperature: 64–77°F (18–25°C)
pH: 5.5–7.5
GH: 2–12 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 8 years
Group behavior: Keep in a school of at least 6

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 8 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 21 US gal (80 L) or larger / ≥ 29.5" (≥ 75 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 18–25 °C, pH 5.5–7.5, GH 2–12 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Checkered Barb is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the lower to middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Checkered Barb should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Small live/frozen invertebrates plus good flakes/granules; varied omnivorous diet.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 21 US gal (80 L) or larger / ≥ 29.5" (≥ 75 cm) minimum length.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Keep in a school of at least 6.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Colombia, Indonesia.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Blue Danio Danio kerri Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.8" (≤ 4.5 cm) 64–77°F (18–25°C) Black Ruby Barb Pethia nigrofasciata Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner ≤ 2.2" (≤ 5.5 cm) 68–81°F (20–27°C) African Banded Barb Barbus fasciolatus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 68–79°F (20–26°C) Bandula Barb Pethia bandula Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.6" (≤ 4.1 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) Black Barred Danio Danio absconditus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2" (≤ 5.2 cm) 63–79°F (17–26°C) Black Ink Barb Barbodes bunau Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 75–82°F (24–28°C)

FAQ

How large does Checkered Barb get?

Checkered Barb reaches ≤ 1.8" (≤ 4.5 cm).

What aquarium size does Checkered Barb need?

Use an aquarium of at least 21 US gal (80 L) or larger / ≥ 29.5" (≥ 75 cm) minimum length.

Is Checkered Barb peaceful?

Yes. Checkered Barb is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Checkered Barb?

Keep it between 18 to 25 °C.

Should Checkered Barb be kept alone or in a group?

Checkered Barb: Keep in a school of at least 6.