Care
Checkered Barb is a peaceful species that should be maintained in groups of 6 or more fish, preferably with more females than males. Males may occasionally spar amongst themselves, but no real damage will occur. Although they can be acclimatised to a wide range of conditions, these fish will thrive in softer, slightly acidic water. They do not appreciate really high tropical temperatures, so ensure that other tankmates have the same needs. Checkered Barbs prefer the shelter that a planted aquarium can provide, and once settled, their subtle colours will intensify.
Feeding
Flake, green flake, micropellets, small frozen foods such as mosquito larvae, brineshrimp and daphnia.
Breeding
A separate shallow softwater breeding tank should be set up with either a substrate of sterilised marbles, or plenty of large clumps of Java moss, and the conditioned pair of fish acclimatised. The temperature should be set at the high end of their range (i.e. 25 °C). When ready (often when the first rays of morning sun hit the aquarium), the female will scatter her tiny eggs over the plants, with the male simultaneously fertilising them. Once spawning has ceased, remove the parent fish and acclimatise them back to the main aquarium. The eggs should hatch after 36 hours.
