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.