Checkered Barb
Checkered Barb (Oliotius oligolepis) is a beautifully patterned small barb with a distinctive scale pattern — each scale has a dark edge that creates a precise checkered or net-like pattern across the silver body. Males develop warm golden-orange to reddish tones and vivid red fin coloration in peak condition. A peaceful and attractive barb for planted community tanks.
Feeding & Care Tip: Hikari Micro Pellets (soak briefly) and Sera Vipan Baby make excellent daily staples. Supplement 2–3× per week with Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp or Hikari Vibra Bites. Feed small amounts 2–3 times daily.
Native to the streams and rivers of Sumatra, Indonesia — slow to moderately flowing water with vegetation and leaf litter. The dark-edged scale pattern is most vivid in fish kept in slightly soft, slightly acidic water. Tannin additions are beneficial.
Keep in groups of at least six. Peaceful, active, and suitable for planted community tanks with other small, non-aggressive species. Males display their best coloration when competing for female attention in a mixed-sex group.
Egg-scatterer. The Checkered Barb is an elegant and often overlooked species — the precise dark scale edging creates a graphic, almost architectural pattern that becomes more vivid and complex the closer you look.
Care & Ideal Parameters
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Temperament | Peaceful — community |
| Typical Adult Size | 2.0 inches (5 cm) |
| Min. Group Size | 6 minimum — mixed sexes for best male color |
| Ideal Temp | 68–79°F (20–26°C) |
| Ideal pH | 6.0–7.5 |
| Ideal GH | 2–12 dGH |
| Ideal KH | 1–6 dKH |
| Staple Food | Hikari Micro Pellets (crushed/soaked); Sera Vipan Baby |
| Treat / Supplement | Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp; Hikari Vibra Bites |
| Origin | Sumatra, Indonesia |
| Notes | Dark-edged scale pattern creates precise checkered or net-like effect. Males develop red fins and warm body tones. Peaceful. Tannin additions beneficial. |
