Checker Barb 3cm

Checker Barb

For the aquarists chasing a natural, simplistic yet elegant fish for their planted aquarium, the checker barb would be an amazing consideration. Oftentimes, when creating a highly details and intricate aquascape, you want a more subtle fish to not detract from the spectacle of the environment, and this species would be perfect for that. Their darker colour palette, schooling behaviour, playful nature, and algae-eating capabilities are all reasons why these underrated fish should be in almost every community system.

Checker barbs get their name from the checkerboard pattern that runs along either side of their body. This variation in scale colour really breaks up the metallic blue sheen these fish develop, which is especially present under quality led or sunlight. The base body colour is a very unique brown and grey mix, with the belly being a much lighter cream colour. To contrast all of this, the fins are all black, rimmed rusty orange, making this fish really pop against greenery in the tank.

Breeding checker barbs can be quite engaging as they are egg scatterers by nature. A separate breeding tank with fine-leaved plants or a spawning mop is ideal. The water should be slightly acidic to neutral, with a temperature maintained slightly higher than the main tank to encourage spawning. Identifying males from females is somewhat possible with slight body differences as males display brighter colours and are slimmer compared to the more rounded females when ready to spawn

Tank Recommendations for Checker Barb

Being a small and relatively easy to care for fish, the checker barb can be kept in smaller aquariums with a minimum being 75 litres. This aquarium size allows for a decent school of these barbs along with other community fish if required. Checker barbs ideally need to be kept in a group of 5 or more to feel comfortable and not be skittish in the environment. These fish will look absolutely stunning in a well-planted aquarium with lots of dense green vegetation.

Suitable Tank Buddies

The checker barb is a very peaceful fish and doesn't have the same fin-nipping tendencies that other barb species can have. These fish are more skittish and shy, if anything, so will need to be kept with peaceful tank mates that can bring out their playfulness

Usually Compatible

Cherry barbs, mascara barbs, angelfish, paradise fish, giant danios, and similar species.

Sometimes Compatible

Tiger barbs, goldfish, larger peaceful cichlids, and fish which could show mild territorial aggression.

Rarely Compatible

Aggressive or predatory species such as oscars, jaguars, and Jack Dempsey cichlids.

Feeding your Checker Barb

Checker barbs are a very easy fish to feed. They will take a wide range of pellets, flakes, and frozen foods. Just like any fish though, they should be fed a varied diet with a mix of different foods. The ideal diet would be a good quality micro slow sinking pellet or crushed flake, supplemented with frozen bloodworms or black worms.