Checkered barb - Puntius oligolepis

Scientific name: Puntius oligolepis

Common name: Checkered barb

Family: Cyprinidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 4 - 5 cm (1.57 - 1.97 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 6 - 7.2

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 4 - 18°N (71.43 - 321.43ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 20 - 26 °C (68 - 78.8°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: South Asia

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

Food and feeding

Checkered barb will accept all flakes or pellets, add some live foods like brine shrimp in the diet. It will also enjoy some spirulina in the diet.

Origin

Checkered barbs are to be found in Sumatra and Colombia.

Sexing

Males will display more of the red coloration; the females will often display a more yellowish background.

Breeding

These are egg scatterers so a spawning mop should be included in the breeding tank. They will eat the eggs if given the chance; remove the parents straight after spawning. The eggs should hatch after 24 hours and the fry can be fed on Infusoria initially.

Lifespan

Expected lifespan of 2- 4 years but some have been known to live much longer.

Short description

Plenty of swimming space should be provided for Puntius oligolepis, the tank décor should be placed at the rear of the tank. They are best kept in groups but the males may disagree. It is very rare for any damage to occur in these cases.

Pictures

Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk.