Checker barb

The checker barb (Oliotius oligolepis) is a cyprinid fish native to the creeks, rivers, and lakes of Sumatra, Indonesia, and has also become established in the wild in Colombia. It is the sole known member of its genus. Adult males display red fins with black tips, and the species reaches a maximum total length of 5 centimeters (2.0 inches).

The genus name Oliotius combines parts of the species name oligolepis and its former genus, Puntius. The common name "checker barb"—along with variants like "checkered barb," "chequer barb," and "checkerboard barb"—comes from the black markings on its sides, which resemble a checkerboard pattern.

Taxonomically, this species has sometimes been placed in the genus Barbus, but Barbus oligolepis Battalgil, 1941 refers to a different fish found only in Turkey. Since Bleeker's oligolepis is not classified under Barbus, both names are valid.

In its native habitat, the checker barb lives in a tropical climate, preferring water with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5, a hardness of 10.0 dGH, and a temperature range of 64–77 °F (18–25 °C). It is omnivorous, feeding on small worms, crustaceans, insects, and plants. An egg-scattering species, it spawns early in the morning on plants within the male's territory; after spawning, the pair will attempt to eat any eggs they find.

In the aquarium trade, the checker barb is commercially important. It has a mild temperament, making it suitable for community tanks.

A schooling fish, it should be kept in groups of at least 6 to 10 individuals. It occupies the middle to lower levels of the aquarium and thrives on a diet of both prepared and live or frozen foods. It is a prolific spawner, well-suited for novice breeders.