Black Ruby Barb ( Pethia Nigrofasciata)
Native Location: Sri Lanka
Climate: Freshwater
Maximum Size: 6cm (2 inches)
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Omnivores
Breeding: Beginner
Temperature Range: 22 – 26℃ (72 – 79℉)
Preferred pH Range: 6.0 – 6.5
Minimum Aquarium Size: 113L (30 gallons)
Potential Tankmates: Tetras, Danios, and Gouramis
Care Level: Easy
Black Ruby Barbs are peaceful fish perfect for community tanks. Their pointed heads and juvenile pale yellow body colours that mature into deep purple-red make them unique fish to house in your home.
Black Ruby Barbs diet is mainly herbivore based. As bottom-feeders, they will rummage through the substrate for left-behind food matter. They will feast on flake foods high in vegetable matter or vegetables like shelled peas, raw zucchini, blanched lettuce or spinach. They can be treated occasionally with live foods such as bloodworms or brine shrimp. As schooling fish, Black Rubies will need to be kept in groups of at least eight. Unlike their cousins, the Tiger Barbs, Black Rubies are less nippy and are great additions to community tanks. Smaller species such as Tetras, Danios and Gouramis make good tankmates. However, do not keep Black Rubies with larger or more carnivorous fish.
Black Rubies do not have specific tank decor requirements, but their colours will come up better against heavily planted aquariums with a dark substrate. As bottom-feeders, the substrate will need to be soft to avoid injuries to the Black Rubies belly. They will also appreciate some water movement, but nothing too strong.
Adult males are slightly larger than adult females, and their entire dorsal fin is deep black. Males pelvic and anal fins will be black or red-black, while female colours will appear far paler. Males are more coloured overall but especially during spawning season. Black Rubies are egg scatterers. In a separate spawning tank, you will need to provide a spawning mop or fine-leaved plants. The lighting should be very dim. When spawning begins, males will start swimming around females as a display of interest. Once spawning is complete, remove adults, or they will eat the eggs and fry.
