Not furry, but we like them anyway.

Checker Barb

Oliotius oligolepis

Also called Checkered barb, Chequer barb, Checkerboard barb

SpeciesShort profile

From Indonesia: western central Sumatra, including Lake Maninjau (type locality) and nearby river basins; creeks, rivers and lakes1 2 3

At a glance the quick version

Length4.5 to 5 cm1 2 3

Sizesmall

Seriously Fish gives 4.5 cm SL; FishBase and Wikipedia give 5 cm TL

Very peaceful

Distinctive checkerboard pattern

Easy to breed

1 3

Looks how to spot one

Small, compact scaled cyprinid

A small, neat barb whose scales carry dark crescent marks that line up into a checkerboard pattern along the sides. Males are slimmer and more colourful, with reddish fins tipped in black, especially in breeding dress. Females are larger and plainer.1 3

Coloursgolden brownblack checker marksred fins with black tips (males)1 3

Personality what they are like

Generally very peaceful, it is an ideal fish for a well-planned community tank.1

Daily activity how busy a day looks

A moderately active schooling fish that mainly uses the middle and lower levels of the tank.1 3

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Undemanding with regular partial water changes. Floating plants and wood help it feel secure.1

Home where they are happiest

A tank of at least 75 x 30 x 30 cm (about 68 litres). Temperature 18-25 °C (FishBase 20-24 °C), pH 5.5-7.5 (FishBase 6.0-6.5), hardness 2-12 °H. Plants, floating cover and driftwood suit it well.1 2

Food basics what goes in the bowl

An omnivore that eats small invertebrates and some plant matter. Offer small live or frozen foods such as bloodworm and Artemia along with good dried foods.1 2

Company who they like around

Keep a group of 6-10. Mixes well with other small, peaceful community fish.1 3

The story where it all began

Pieter Bleeker described the checker barb in 1853 from Lake Maninjau in Sumatra. It was moved from Puntius into its own genus, Oliotius, in 2013, and the aquarium trade is now supplied almost entirely by farm-bred fish.2 1

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
It is the only species in its genus, Oliotius.3
2
Its species name oligolepis means 'few scales' in Greek.1
3
It is a prolific spawner, which makes it a good first breeding project.3
4
Its type locality is Lake Maninjau, a crater lake in West Sumatra.1

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List: Assessed as Least Concern (April 2020)2
FishBase: Described by Bleeker in 1853; highly commercial in the aquarium trade2

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Checker Barb. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
Temperature checkevery day
Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
Water testevery week
Glass cleanevery week
Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Checker Barb?

Feed small amounts once or twice daily. Offer a variety of small live or frozen foods like bloodworm and Artemia along with good dried foods. Follow the food label for amounts and ask your vet if unsure.1 2 Pet Wiki plan

What does a Checker Barb eat, and what should it never eat?

It is an omnivore that eats small invertebrates and some plant matter. Never feed human food or anything with preservatives; for specific unsafe foods, ask your exotic-pet vet.1 2

How much space does a Checker Barb need?

A tank of at least 75 x 30 x 30 cm (about 68 litres) is needed. This gives enough room for a school of 6-10. More space is always better for swimming.1 2

What temperature, light or water does a Checker Barb need?

Keep water temperature between 18-25°C, pH 5.5-7.5, and hardness 2-12°H. Provide plants, floating cover and driftwood for security. Use a gentle light; avoid bright direct light.1 2

How often should I clean a Checker Barb's home?

Furry Diary's starting plan is a 25% water change every week, along with cleaning the glass. Rinse the filter in old tank water monthly. Regular partial water changes keep the water quality good. Pet Wiki plan

Can a Checker Barb live with others?

Yes, it is very peaceful and ideal for a community tank. Keep a group of 6-10 of its own kind, and it will mix well with other small, peaceful fish. Avoid larger or aggressive tank mates.1 3

How long does a Checker Barb live?

Lifespan varies; with good care they can live several years. For a more precise estimate, ask a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet.

Can I handle a Checker Barb?

Checker Barbs are fish and should not be handled. They are delicate and best admired in the tank. Only touch them if absolutely necessary for health checks, and use a soft net.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

Gold Barb

Cherry Barb

Rosy Barb

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

Seriously Fish - Oliotius oligolepis seriouslyfish.comused for origin, size, tank and water parameters, diet, behaviour, appearance, taxonomy, name meaning
FishBase - Oliotius oligolepis fishbase.seused for author/year, IUCN status, size, water parameters, diet
Wikipedia - Checker Barb en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, size, colours, breeding, genus

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.