Checkerboard Barb (Oliotius oligolepis)

Fish in the family Cyprinidae. Easy care. Freshwater.

Checkerboard Barb

Quick facts

Scientific nameOliotius oligolepis
FamilyCyprinidae
Also known asChecker Barb, Island Barb
Care levelEasy
Reef safetyFreshwater
TemperamentPeaceful
Dietomnivore
Adult size2 in
Minimum tank size20 gallons
Water parametersTemp 70-79°F, pH 6.0-7.5, GH 5-15 dGH

Appearance

Coppery body with a grid-like pattern of dark-edged scales forming a checkerboard; males show reddish fins when displaying.

Difficulty and care for the Checkerboard Barb

Easy

Origin and habitat

Southeast Asia (Sumatra, Indonesia)

Keeper notes

Peaceful and undemanding; males display intense color to one another but cause no real harm.

Log Checkerboard Barb in your reef tank

Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Checkerboard Barb alongside everything else in your reef.