Checker Barb
Oliotius oligolepis
Minimum Tank
20 Gallons
Adult Size
2 inches
Temperature
68-77°F (20-25°C)
pH Range
6.0-7.5
Lifespan
6 years
School Size
6+ fish
About Checker Barb
The checker barb is a small, elegantly patterned fish from the rivers of Sumatra and Borneo in Indonesia. Its body displays a checkerboard pattern of dark-edged scales on a warm silvery-pink background, with males developing reddish fins and darker coloring during breeding. Checker barbs are one of the most peaceful barb species, completely lacking the fin-nipping tendencies that give some barbs a bad reputation. They are active mid-water schoolers that add subtle beauty and constant movement to community aquariums. Their gentle nature makes them safe companions for shrimp, small tetras, and even long-finned species, which is unusual among barbs.
Care Requirements
Tank Setup
- • Minimum 20-gallon tank required
- • Temperature: 68-77°F (20-25°C)
- • pH: 6.0 - 7.5
- • Category: Barb
Diet & Feeding
- • Diet type: Omnivore
- • Feed 1-2 times daily
- • Varied diet recommended
Tank Mate Compatibility
Compatible With
Avoid Keeping With
Care Tips
Expert Tips
Keep checker barbs in schools of at least six in a tank of 15 gallons or more. They prefer slightly soft, acidic water at 73-79°F but adapt to moderate conditions. Their peaceful nature makes them one of the safest barb choices for community tanks with delicate or slow-moving tankmates. Provide a planted tank with some floating cover and moderate current. Males display their best coloring when competing for female attention, so include both sexes. Feed quality flakes and micro-pellets supplemented with frozen daphnia and brine shrimp. Checker barbs are hardy and undemanding, making them an excellent choice for peaceful community setups.
Quick Facts
76L
Min Tank (20gal)
5cm
Adult Size (2")
6yr
Lifespan
6+
Min School
Build Your Perfect Community Tank
Find compatible tankmates for your Checker Barb
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Tank Mates for Checker Barb
Species from our database with overlapping water parameters, compatible temperaments and a realistic shared tank size.
Panda Corydoras
Corydoras panda
easy · 10+ gal
Bronze Corydoras
Corydoras aeneus
easy · 15+ gal
Cardinal Tetra
Paracheirodon axelrodi
moderate · 15+ gal
Pearl Danio
Danio albolineatus
easy · 20+ gal
Similar Care Level
Other easy-care species that suit a comparable setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tank does a Checker Barb need?
A Checker Barb needs a minimum tank size of 20 gallons (76 litres). They should be kept in schools of at least 6.
What water parameters does a Checker Barb need?
Checker Barb thrive in water between 68-77°F (20-25°C) with a pH of 6.0-7.5.
Are Checker Barb easy to care for?
Checker Barb are considered easy to care for. They are peaceful fish with a lifespan of about 6 years.
How big do Checker Barb get and what do they eat?
Checker Barb reach about 2 inches and are omnivores. Keep checker barbs in schools of at least six in a tank of 15 gallons or more. They prefer slightly soft, acidic water at 73-79°F but adapt to moderate conditions. Their peaceful nature makes them one of the safest barb choices for community tanks with delicate or slow-moving tankmates. Provide a planted tank with some floating cover and moderate current. Males display their best coloring when competing for female attention, so include both sexes. Feed quality flakes and micro-pellets supplemented with frozen daphnia and brine shrimp. Checker barbs are hardy and undemanding, making them an excellent choice for peaceful community setups.