Checkered Barb (Oliotius oligolepis)

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Checkered Barb
Oliotius oligolepis
Checkered Barb (Oliotius oligolepis)
Name Checkered Barb
Name Lat. Oliotius oligolepis
Synonym Puntius oligolepis
Family Carps
Family lat. Cyprinidae
Order Carps
Order lat. Cypriniformes
Origin Sumatra
Habitat Forest streams, ponds
Diet Omnivore
pH 6.0-7.0
Behavior Peaceful
Keeping Group
Care Level Easy
Reproduction Egg scatterer
Breeding Simple
Life Span 5-8 years
Protection No
Metric Units
Size 4-5 cm
Temperature 20-24 °C
Hardness 5-10 °dH
Aquarium 50 l
US Units
Size 1.6"-2"
Temperature 68-75 °F
Hardness 89-178 ppm
Aquarium 15 gal

Distribution and habitat

The Eiland barbs originate from the island of Sumatra (Indonesia). They live in slow flowing shallow tributaries and still water of forest streams as well as in lakes and residual water ponds with roots, foliage and dense aquatic vegetation.

Maintenance

The aquarium should have a dense border planting, with hiding and retreat possibilities (roots, stones) and offer sufficient swimming space. With shaded light (floating plants) and a dark substrate covered with foliage (e.g. sea almond leaves) they show the most beautiful coloration.

No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.

Diet

In nature they feed on worms, insects, small crustaceans and detritus. The food offer consists of live food, which is accepted without problems also in frozen form, supplemented with frozen food mixtures. Especially daphnia, artemia and red mosquito larvae must not be missing. In addition, they need regular vegetable food, such as pureed leafy and wild vegetables or dry food (flakes, granules) with high vegetable content (spirulina, kelp)

Only feed as much as will be eaten immediately (in 10 minutes or less). A regular and varied diet promotes health and increases resistance.

Behaviour and compatibility

They are lively but peaceful schooling fish that can be socialized well with other peaceful fish. Males occasionally threaten each other without serious altercations. At least 5, but preferably more Eiland barbs should be kept together.

Basically, only compatible fish species with similar demands on water condition and water temperature should be socialized

Sex dimorphism

The males are more intensely colored and the fins are reddish with a black fringe. The females are stronger and rounder.

Reproduction and breeding

They are free spawners that do not engage in brood care. The male usually swims around (drifts) the female in the early morning, which spawns among fine-feathered plants. The larvae hatch after about 24 hours and swim freely after a week.

Fry must be fed several times a day with special rearing food (Artemia nauplii). In community tanks breeding is hardly possible, because the spawn is easy prey.

Important

Feral populations are known to occur in Colombia

The foliage (e.g., sea almond tree leaves), when decaying, promotes the development of microorganisms that provide a valuable secondary food source

The well-being of the fish should be monitored regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels should be checked at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even when contaminant levels have not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.

Further literature can be found in your pet store.

References

Text: petdata; Image: petdata

Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); RIEHL & BAENSCH (2006): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 1, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch

  • Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF