Checker Barb
Oliotius oligolepis
Synonyms Checkered barb · Island barb
Checker Barb (Oliotius oligolepis) is a peaceful freshwater fish that reaches about 4.5 cm (1.8 in) and swims in open water in a shoal. It wants 64–77°F (18–25°C) and pH 5.5–7.5, is kept in groups of 6 or more, and needs a tank of at least 68 L (18 gal).
At a glance
| Type | Fish |
|---|---|
| Adult size | 4.5 cm (1.8 in) |
| Minimum tank | 68 L (18 gal) |
| Group size | 6 or more |
| Temperature | 64–77°F (18–25°C) |
| pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Eats shrimp | Shrimplets only |
Before it goes in
- Checker Barb needs at least 68 L (18 gal). The smallest size in this library that clears that is the 20 Gallon High.
- Keep 6 or more. Below that it hides, colours down and is far more likely to be picked on.
- Adult shrimp are safe; shrimplets will be eaten, so a shrimp colony will not grow in the same tank.
- It is the wrong size to share a tank with Goldfish, Angelfish and Axolotl: it ends up as food.
- It holds at 64–77°F (18–25°C). That shares a window with Betta and Cherry Shrimp, but not with German Blue Ram and Discus.
- It eats soft-leaved plants. Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis' and Bacopa caroliniana will not last with it; tough-leaved Anubias nana 'Petite' and Marimo Moss Ball will.
- A group of 6 takes up roughly 43% of what a 20 Gallon High will comfortably hold, so plan the rest of the stock around it.
What tank size does it need?
At least 68 L (18 gal). The smallest size here that clears it is the 20 Gallon High.
How many should I keep?
6 or more. Fewer than that and it spends its time hiding instead of out in the open.
Will it eat shrimp?
Adults are safe, shrimplets are not. You can keep shrimp with it; you just will not get a growing colony.
What water does it want?
64–77°F (18–25°C), pH 5.5–7.5.
Good tank mates
- Tank mates from this library that share its temperature window, are peaceful and eat neither it nor its young: Cherry Shrimp, Bristlenose Pleco, Celestial Pearl Danio, Molly and Otocinclus.
- Plants that hold up with it: Anubias nana 'Petite', Marimo Moss Ball, Subwassertang and Anubias barteri.
Often compared with
| Checker Barb | Cherry Barb | Black Ruby Barb | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult size | 4.5 cm | 5 cm | 5.5 cm |
| Min tank | 68 L | 60 L | 72 L |
| Group | 6+ | 6+ | 6+ |
| Temperature | 64–77°F (18–25°C) | 72–81°F (22–27°C) | 68–81°F (20–27°C) |
| Eats shrimp | Shrimplets only | Shrimplets only | Shrimplets only |
More livestock
Sources (2) · checked Sep 2026
- What it eatsgarnelio.de
- Mature tankseriouslyfish.com