Description
Checkered Barb (Oliotius oligolepis)
Overview
Oliotius oligolepis, commonly known as the Checkered Barb, is a small, peaceful freshwater fish from western central Sumatra, Indonesia. Recognizable by its striking checkerboard pattern of large scales with black crescent marks, it was reclassified from the Puntius genus to Oliotius. Growing to about 5 cm, this hardy, schooling species is ideal for beginner and experienced aquarists, thriving in community tanks.
Care Requirements
Tank Size
Minimum: 38 litres for a small group; 80 litres or larger is preferred for schooling and stable water conditions.
Water Parameters
- Temperature: 18°C–25°C, ideally 20°C–24°C.
- pH: 5.5–7.5, preferring slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–6.5).
- Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (up to 10 dH).
- Nitrate: Keep below 50 mg/L.
- Use dechlorinated water to avoid toxicity.
Tank Setup
- Substrate: Fine gravel, sand, or leaf litter to mimic natural stream habitats.
- Plants: Java moss, Java fern, or floating plants for cover and nutrient absorption.
- Decor: Driftwood, rocks, or caves for hiding spots; floating vegetation enhances comfort.
- Filtration: Moderate to strong flow filter to replicate fast-moving streams; ensure good oxygenation.
- Lighting: Moderate, subdued lighting to reduce stress.
Maintenance
- Water Changes: 20%–30% monthly (weekly for smaller tanks) to maintain water quality.
- Testing: Regularly monitor pH, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels.
- Cleaning: Vacuum substrate during water changes; clean filter media in tank water to preserve bacteria.
- Feeding Control: Avoid overfeeding to prevent water pollution.
- Plant Care: Trim plants to maintain tank aesthetics and prevent overcrowding.
Diet
Natural Diet: Omnivorous, leaning carnivorous; eats aquatic invertebrates, worms, crustaceans, insects, plant matter, and detritus in the wild.
Aquarium Diet:
- Staple: High-quality flake foods or micro pellets.
- Live/Frozen: Bloodworms, Daphnia, brine shrimp, or micro worms for nutrition and colour enhancement.
- Vegetable: Occasional algae wafers or blanched spinach.
- Feeding Frequency: Small portions 2–3 times daily, ensuring food is consumed quickly.
- Variety: Rotate foods to ensure balanced nutrition.
Behaviour and Compatibility
Behaviour
- Schooling: Thrives in groups of 6–10+; fewer than 5 may cause stress or disease susceptibility. Schooling enhances natural behaviour and male colouration.
- Activity: Active, playful swimmers; may be shy initially but adapt with hiding spots.
- Temperament: Peaceful, rarely aggressive.
Compatibility
- Good Tankmates: Small, peaceful fish, like tetras, rasboras, small danios, Corydoras catfish, or small loaches.
- Avoid: Large, aggressive fish (e.g., cichlids) that may prey on them.
- Hybridization Risk: Avoid mixing with other Oliotius or similar barbs to prevent crossbreeding.
- Introduction: Add timid species first to reduce stress in community tanks.
- Sexual Dimorphism: Males are smaller, slimmer, with vibrant reddish-brown fins edged in black; females are larger, rounder, with duller yellowish-brown fins.
Reproduction
Breeding Behaviour: Egg-scatterers with no parental care; frequent spawners in good conditions.
Picture for illustrative purposes only. Either come in store to view available stock or request pictures to be sent to you.
Please Note: Due to variations within species resulting from age, region, sex, etc., the actual livestock may not look identical to the image. Approximate size range may also vary between individual specimens.
