Think Fish - The Tropical Fish Keeping Resource

Fish Database: Checkered Barb - Puntius oligolepis

Aquarium requirements

Aquarium suitability: 5/5
Sociability rating: 9/10
Area of tank: Middle, bottom
Aquarium water conditions: 6-8, s,m,h,vh
Temperature: 20 - 24C
Feeding: Flake, frozen, live foods
Minimum tank size: 45cm
Min / Max number in tank: Min 3

Fish fact file

Family: Cyprinidae (Carps & Minnows)
Synonyms: Barbus oliogolepis, Capoeta oligolepis, Systomus oligolepis
Other common names: Checker Barb, Checkerboard Barb, Chequer Barb, Iridescent Barb, Island Barb
Origin: Asia; Sumatra, Indonesia
Natural habitat: Rivers, lakes, streams, small pools
Size: 5cm
Behavior: Mild mannered and peaceful, males may 'display fight' but very rarely cause harm
Breeding: Spawns on plants near the surface. Fry hatch after two days
Natural water conditions: pH 6-7
Sexing: Males are larger and brighter coloured with red-brown fins edged with black. Females are more yellow-brown

Fish code No.0101

Recently Viewed fish: Checkered Barb

The Checkered Barb is a small peaceful barb, which shows its best colours once it has been well settled in an aquarium. Its appearance whilst in a shops sales tank can be a little drab but given a good aquarium environment, any specimens will turn out as good as the best individuals on sale. The small size of the fish makes it ideal for smaller tanks where detail is everything. Provide dense planted areas and open swimming spaces. Will acclimatize well to water conditions outside of its natural range. Keep in groups of three or more. A good tankmate for timid fish.

Fish Database Search

Select a species group to see a list of species with pictures and sizes:

Search by fish code: Enter the fish code, then click search.
Search by common name:
Search by scientific name: