Search documentation

Black Ruby Barb (Pethia nigrofasciata)

Common Names - Pethia nigrofasciata, Black Ruby Barb

Black Ruby Barb

Black Ruby Barb is a peaceful freshwater fish, known for its striking coloration and compatibility with community tanks.

Overview

The Black Ruby Barb (Pethia nigrofasciata), a member of the Cyprinidae family, is known for its vibrant colors that intensify during mating. Native to the freshwater rivers and streams of Sri Lanka, this species has a distinctive appearance with a deep red body and contrasting black vertical bands.

Tank Requirements

To maintain a healthy Black Ruby Barb, a tank size of at least 60 liters is recommended. The water temperature should be kept between 20-25°C, with a pH range of 6.5-7.5. The tank should be equipped with a gentle filter, and a well-planted environment is preferred, allowing plenty of open swimming space and hiding spots.

Feeding and Diet

Black Ruby Barbs are omnivorous and thrive on a varied diet of high-quality flakes, pellets, and occasional treats like brine shrimp and bloodworms. It’s ideal to feed them small portions multiple times a day to simulate natural feeding patterns.

Care and Maintenance

Routine tank maintenance includes weekly water changes of around 20-30%, along with regular monitoring of water parameters to prevent disease. They are generally hardy but can be susceptible to common freshwater diseases if water quality is neglected.

Compatibility

This species is peaceful and does well in community tanks. Suitable tank mates include other barbs, tetras, and bottom dwellers. However, avoid keeping them with fin-nipping or overly aggressive species, as they are relatively gentle.

Breeding

Black Ruby Barbs are moderately challenging to breed. A separate breeding tank with slightly warmer water, fine-leaved plants, and a soft substrate can encourage spawning. Males display brighter colors to attract females. After spawning, remove the parents to protect the eggs and care for the fry with infusoria or other suitable fry food.

Note: Unverified Information

This article is part of our freshwater aquarium fish catalog and is currently unverified. The information presented here has not yet been reviewed by a specialist. Please use this content as a general reference and verify details from additional sources before making any decisions related to fish care.