What size tank do checker barbs need?
At least 18 gallons (68 liters) for a group of 6. The smallest standard tank that works is the 20 gallon high. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable. We give the size for an adult fish in a proper group, because the small fish in the shop will grow. Scientific name: Oliotius oligolepis.
How many checker barbs in each tank size?
This is how many each standard tank carries comfortably if checker barbs are the only fish in it. Share the tank with other species and the number goes down.
| Tank | How many checker barbs |
|---|---|
| 5 gallon | Too small |
| 10 gallon | Too small |
| 20 gallon long | up to 12 |
| 29 gallon | up to 18 |
| 40 gallon breeder | up to 25 |
| 55 gallon | up to 35 |
| 75 gallon | up to 47 |
| 125 gallon | 60 or more |
Check checker barbs against your own tank and other fish
Good to know
- Keep at least 6. Alone or in twos and threes, checker barbs hide, stop eating well, or pick on each other.
Tank mates for checker barbs
These animals like the same water, are a safe size, and have a temper that fits. It is a match on paper: always watch new tankmates for the first week.
- Glowlight danio
- Bandit corydoras
- Zebra danio
- Bronze corydoras
- Hillstream loach
- Bloodfin tetra
- Pearl danio
- White Cloud Mountain minnow
Poor matches
- Betta: Their temperature ranges barely overlap: Checker barb likes 64–77 °F (18–25 °C), Betta likes 75–82 °F (24–28 °C).
- Fancy goldfish: Goldfish do best with other fancy goldfish.
- Oscar: Oscar is aggressive and will bully or kill peaceful fish such as checker barb.
- Molly: They need different water: Checker barb likes a pH of 5.5–7.5, molly likes 7.5–8.5.
Questions and answers
What size tank do checker barbs need?
At least 18 gallons (68 liters) for a group of 6. The smallest standard tank that works is the 20 gallon high. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.
How many checker barbs should be kept together?
At least 6. Checker barbs are social animals and only behave naturally in a group. More is better if the tank has room.
Can checker barbs live in a 10 gallon tank?
No. Checker barb needs at least 18 gallons (68 liters).
What temperature do checker barbs need?
64–77 °F (18–25 °C), with a pH of 5.5–7.5. A heater is only needed if your room gets cold.
Can checker barbs live with a betta?
It is not a good match. Their temperature ranges barely overlap: Checker barb likes 64–77 °F (18–25 °C), Betta likes 75–82 °F (24–28 °C).
More fish
- Phoenix rasbora
- Black ruby barb
- Five-banded barb
- Moonlight gourami
- Chocolate gourami
- Croaking gourami
- All 150 species
Adult size, tank size and water ranges follow the mainstream care consensus (Seriously Fish species profiles and FishBase maximum lengths). Where sources differ we use the more cautious figure. Stocking numbers come from our stocking calculator.