Checkered Barb

Checkered Barb

Description of the Checkered Barb
The Checkered Barb is also known as the Checker Barb, Checkerboard Barb or Island Barb and gets its name from the back marks along its body, thought to resemble a checkerboard. It is a very lively but peaceful fish and an ideal choice for a community aquarium.

Profile of the Checkered Barb
This Profile contains interesting facts and information about the Checkered Barb species.

• Size: Up to 5cm

• Fish Tank conditions: Temp 20 to 24 Degrees. PH 6.0 to 7.0

• Diet / Feeding: Dried Frozen or Flaked Food particularly Bloodworms

• Temperament: Good Community Fish

• Habitat: Lakes, Creeks and Rivers

• Behaviour: Very Lively but Peaceful fish

• Range: Endemic to the Island of Sumatra, Indonesia

Scientific Classification of the Checkered Barb
Definition: Scientific classification, or biological classification, is how biologists group and categorize species of organisms with shared physical characteristics. Scientific classification belongs to the science of taxonomy.

• Species: Puntius oligolepis

• Popular Name: Checkered Barb - Checker Barb - Checkerboard Barb - Island Barb

• Kingdom: Animalia

• Phylum: Chordata

• Class: Actinopterygii

• Order: Cypriniformes

• Family: Cyprinidae

Interesting Facts and Information - How do you identify the sex of a Checkered Barb?
The males and females of many fish species have different colors or different shaped bodies. But there are also other fish species where there is no visible difference. Its sometimes tricky being an ichthyologist!

Interesting Facts and Information - Why are Checkered Barb slimy?
Checkered Barb secrete a type of mucus, or slime, from their skin. This slime provides protection against parasites and infections and helps the Checkered Barb to move through the water faster. Some fish species also release toxins in their slime which ward off enemy attacks. Other fish species use their slime to feed their young.

Interesting Facts and Information - Why do Checkered Barb have gills?
Gills enable the Checkered Barb to breathe. Gills consist of thin sheets of tissue containing blood vessels. As water passes over the gills oxygen is absorbed into the blood stream Carbon dioxide passes out into the water. The gills are protected by a large bony plate called an operculum. Some fish species however have lungs and breathe air.
 

Interesting Facts and Information - Why do the Checkered Barb have fins?
A fin is an external appendage or "limb" of a fish. Fins are used for directing, stabilizing, or propelling the different fish species in water. Numbers of fins vary between fish species, but there are usually seven. Each of the fins on a fish are designed to perform a specific function:

• Dorsal fins - The dorsal fin is located on the backs of fishes. The Checkered Barb has Dorsal fins to lend stability in swimming.

• Ventral fins. The ventral fin is located on the pelvic area of fishes. The Checkered Barb has Ventral fins to lend stability in swimming.

• Caudal fins. The Caudal fin is located on the tail area of fishes. The Checkered Barb has Caudal fins to propel through the water.

• Pectoral fins. The Pectoral fin is located on the breast area of fishes. The Checkered Barb has Pectoral fins to for locomotion and side to side movement

Interesting Facts and Information about Checkered Barb