Long-fin Checker Barb
Oliotius oligolepis
Origin: Endemic to Sumatra, Indonesia. Inhabits streams, rivers, and lakes with moderate current, often among aquatic vegetation. It is the sole species in genus Oliotius.
Also known as: Checkered Barb, Checkerboard Barb, Island Barb
Fact sheet
- Size
- 5 cm
- Lifespan
- 3 years
- Minimum tank size
- 60 L
- Temperature
- 16–25 °C
- pH
- 6–7.5
- Hardness GH
- 5–15 °dH
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Social behavior
- Schooling
- Swimming zone
- Middle
- Diet
- Omnivore
- Jumps out
- Yes
- Eats plants
- No
Overview
Rare selectively bred form with elongated unpaired fins. In well-maintained males the flowing fins create a particularly striking display.
Appearance
Shared with the species: Checker Barb
Body small and elongate, reaching 5–6 cm. Base color silvery-olive to greenish. Each scale is edged in dark pigment, producing the characteristic checked pattern. Males develop orange-red fins with black tips; females are much paler. The forked tail has a reddish tinge.
Care
Shared with the species: Checker Barb
Minimum aquarium volume 60 L with a footprint of at least 60 cm. Dark, fine substrate with driftwood and dense planting provides cover. Water parameters: temperature 18–25 °C, pH 5.5–7.5, hardness up to 10 dGH. Keep in groups of 6–10; solitary fish or tiny groups become timid and lose color. Regular water changes and moderate filtration are essential.
Feeding
Shared with the species: Checker Barb
Omnivorous. In nature it consumes small worms, crustaceans, insects, and plant material. In the aquarium it accepts flakes, granules, and live or frozen foods such as bloodworm, Tubifex, and Artemia. Occasional spirulina flake or blanched spinach leaves provide a useful vegetable component.
Compatibility
Shared with the species: Checker Barb
One of the most peaceful barbs, living well with small to medium-sized calm species: danios, tetras, rasboras, dwarf gouramis, and corydoras. Fin-nipping tendency is minimal. Avoid housing with large or territorial fish.
Breeding
Shared with the species: Checker Barb
Spawning occurs early in the morning; the male establishes a territory around a fine-leaved plant. Use a separate breeding tank with soft, slightly acidic water and clumps of Java moss. The female scatters several hundred eggs. Remove parents immediately after spawning. Incubation ~24–30 h; fry become free-swimming in 1–2 days. First food: infusoria, then Artemia nauplii.
Fun facts
Shared with the species: Checker Barb
The checker barb takes its name from the dark scale-edge pattern on its flanks, which becomes especially visible under diffuse lighting. These fish occupy the middle and lower levels of the aquarium, rarely venturing to the surface. The species is less frequently encountered in the trade than tiger or cherry barbs, yet it is a staple at specialist aquarium shows and among dedicated barb enthusiasts.