Checkerboard Barb (Oliotius oligolepis)

Oliotius oligolepis skips the barb family's usual reputation almost entirely, smaller, shyer, and considerably more peaceful than the tiger and rosy barbs it's shelved next to, with a soft checkered pattern instead of bold bars or stripes. It prefers a bit more cover and a calmer tankmate lineup than the more boisterous barbs, closer in temperament to a rasbora than a typical Puntius species. A genuinely good pick if you want barb-family looks without barb-family energy.

Care level: Easy · Temperament: Peaceful, shoaling · Max size: ~2" · Min tank: 20 gal · Diet: Omnivore, flake/pellet