Checkerboard Barb (Oliotius oligolepis)

Checkerboard Barb (Oliotius oligolepis)

The Checkerboard Barb is a beautiful, peaceful fish that’s often overlooked in the aquarium hobby. Their shimmering gold to bronze bodies are covered with dark-edged scales, creating the unique “checkerboard” pattern that gives them their name. Males become especially colorful as they mature, developing vibrant red and orange fins that really stand out.

These active schooling fish are a great choice for planted community aquariums. They love swimming together, are easy to care for, and bring plenty of movement and color to the tank.

Why people love Checkerboard Barbs:
• Unique checkerboard scale pattern
• Males develop beautiful red and orange fins
• Peaceful and community-friendly
• Great for planted aquariums
• Active schooling fish
• Hardy and easy to care for

Care Info:

Scientific Name: Oliotius oligolepis
Common Names: Checkerboard Barb, Checker Barb
Temperament: Peaceful
Adult Size: About 2 inches
Tank Size: 20 gallons or larger
Temperature: 72–79°F
pH: 6.0–7.5
Diet: Omnivore
Difficulty: Beginner-friendly

Checkerboard Barbs do best in groups of at least 6. They thrive in planted aquariums with open swimming areas and appreciate driftwood, plants, and darker substrates that help bring out their natural colors.

Feed a quality flake or small pellet as their staple diet, along with frozen or live foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia to keep them healthy and enhance their coloration.

Shipping Info:

We ship fish on Monday and Tuesday so they arrive quickly and safely. Orders usually arrive Wednesday or Thursday.

All fish are packed carefully with insulation and heat or cold packs when needed.

Live arrival is guaranteed as long as someone is available to receive the package on the first delivery attempt.

Availability: We do our best to keep our inventory up to date, but quantities available are subject to change without notice. If we’re unable to fulfill part of your order, we’ll automatically refund the difference.

Color and size may vary depending on age and natural variation.