One of the smaller species of Barb, the Checkered Barb achieves a maximum length around 2 inches. These fish are endemic to the Indonesian island of Sumatra where they can be found in slower moving rivers and creeks as well as pools and lakes. Checkered Barbs are more abundant at higher altitudes and thrive in water with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0 and a temperature between 68 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.Checkered Barbs can also be called Checkerboard and Island Barbs and they are known for the black markings on their sides which resemble the pattern on a checkerboard. These fish have silver bodies and males of the species exhibit red fins with black tips.