The checker barb (Oliotius oligolepis) is a species of cyprinid fish endemic to creeks, rivers, and lakes in Sumatra, Indonesia. It has also been established in the wild in Colombia. The adult males have red fins with black tips. It will grow up to a length of TL. This species is the only known member of its genus.
Habitat
Checker barbs natively live in a tropical climate and prefer water with a pH of 5.5 - 7.5, a water hardness of 10.0 dGH, and a temperature range of . Their omnivorous diet consists of small worms, crustaceans, insects, and plants.
An egg-scattering fish, they spawn early in the morning on plants that are the center of the male's territory. Once the spawning is completed, the pair will attempt to eat the eggs that they can find.
In the aquarium
The checker barb has commercial importance in the aquarium trade industry.
It has a mild temperament and thus is well suited to a community aquarium.
The checker barb is a schooling fish - it should be kept in groups of no fewer than 6-10.
It occupies the medium to lower levels of the aquarium.
An ideal diet consists of both prepared and live or frozen foods.
The checker barb is a prolific spawner that lends itself well to the novice breeder.
See also
- List of freshwater aquarium fish species
References
External links
- Photos from Fishbase