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Origin:Indonesia; Sumatra and Malakka. Here the fish occur in rivers and in lakes. In Sumatra Barbus oligolepis occurs mostly in the highland, where the water temperature varies from 19 to 25 degrees celsius Fishes from the lowlands are in general a bit smaller, and live at higher temperatures(21-27).

Etymology: Barbus: Bearded. oligo means few, lepis means scales.

Synonyms:Capoeta oligolepis, Systomus oligolepis, Puntius oligolepis

First European import: Germany, 1923, by Jonny Wolmer.

Description:See pictures.

Care: Barbus oligolepis is well suited to keep in a community tank. The fish are hardy and adaptible, but are best kept in soft, slightly acidic water. As long as Barbus oligolepis are kept in small groups, there is little need for densely planted areas,shade, or a dark soil, but they do require enough free swimming space. Although the males display towards eachother and chase eachother, they can be kept together. Two males and two-three females form a nice group, that will inhabit the lower and middle areas in the tank, and will create a nice lively view. Barbus oligolepis dislikes extremely fresh water, so the water used for waterchanges should be aged well, or frequent small changes should be performed.

Temperature:20-24 degrees.

Feeding:Omnivorous, eats all foods. The fish also require some plantfood, like algae.

Size: Barbus oligolepis can grow up to 5 cm.

pH: 6.0-7.0 Hardness up to 12 dGH.

Breeding: Egg-scatterer. Barbus oligolepis is best bred in pairs, in groups the males start bothering eachother more than to show an interest in the females. A 40 cm breeding tank will do, which should be filled with aged, peat filtered water(pH around 6, Hardness below 8dGH). A lowered waterlevel and a temperature of 26 degrees, floating plants and fine leaved plants in the tank. In such a tank a female should be introduced in the morning, and in the evening, add the male. Usually the fish will start to spawn the next morning. The males will choose and defend a particular plant, and entice the female to spawn there.Up to 300 eggs are laid on the plants, one at a time. After spawning is completed, the parents should be removed immediately, since they will eat the eggs. The fry will hatch in 1.5-2 days, and can grow really fast. If properly fed, they will reach adult size in 4-6 months. If breeding fails the fish may have been kept at too high temperatures during winter.

Sexual dimorphism: Males more colorful, and with clearly visible black seams at the edge of the fins.

Prices:Netherlands: 0.75-1€.

Additional: Barbus oligolepis has been introduced in Colombia and probably also in India. Tere are two colortypes, a greenish and a red variety.

Lifespan: 2-4 years, sometimes 8 years

Picture references:All pictures E. Naus

References:Baensch, H. A., Riehl, R.(1982): Aquarien Atlas I. Mergus Verlag, Melle, Germany.(click on the link to buy this book) Waskowsky, M. Barbus oligolepis, Het aquarium, Jaargang 1977, nr. 2 pp 52-55.