Photos © Sean Evans
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| Common name: | Checkered barb, Checker barb, Chequer barb |
| Scientific name: | Puntius oligolepis |
| Synonyms: | Oliotius oligolepis |
| Origin: | Sumatra |
| Size: | Up to 5cm (2") |
| Recommended tank size: | 75 x 30cm (30 x 12") or larger. |
| Tank setup: | A well-planted tank would be ideal, with open swimming areas at the front. |
| Compatibility: | A peaceful community fish, may be timid in the presence of more boisterous fish. Keep in a shoal. |
| Temperature: | 20-25oC (68-77oF) |
| Water chemistry: | Fairly soft and acidic to moderately hard and alkaline (pH 6.0-7.5). |
| Feeding: | Omnivorous, most foods accepted, use flake and granular foods as a staple, supplemented with small live/frozen foods. |
| Sexing: | Males are generally smaller and slimmer, and more brightly coloured with red fins with black edges. |
| Breeding: | An egg-scatterer, the eggs will be eaten by the adults if measures are not taken to prevent this. Eggs should hatch in 24-48 hours. |
| Comments: |
An underated barb, probably due to the relatively bland appearance of juveniles, but adults mature into a very attractive fish that is ideal for a peaceful community tank or planted tank.
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