🐟 General Overview

• Common Name: Ruby Barb, Black Ruby Barb

• Scientific Name: Pethia nigrofasciata

• Family: Cyprinidae

• Origin: Sri Lanka (found in forested, shaded, and slow-moving streams)

• Type: Freshwater tropical fish

• Lifespan: 4–6 years (can live up to 7 years with good care)

• Temperament: Peaceful to semi-aggressive (especially males during breeding)

🌈 Appearance

• Size: Up to 2.5–3 inches (6–7.5 cm)

• Body Shape: Deep-bodied and slightly compressed with short fins

• Coloration:

  • Juveniles are silver or pale gold with dark vertical stripes.

  • Adult males develop deep ruby-red coloration on the body and fins when in breeding condition, with black patches or stripes.

  • Females are lighter in color and rounder in body shape.

🌡️ Tank Requirements

• Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons (larger is better for groups)

• Water Temperature: 22–27°C (72–81°F)

• pH: 6.0–7.5

• Hardness: 5–12 dGH

• Lighting: Moderate (they prefer dim or shaded lighting)

• Substrate: Dark sand or fine gravel enhances their color

• Decor: Use plants, driftwood, and rocks to create hiding spaces; they love densely planted tanks

🪸 Tank Setup Tips

• Provide open swimming areas as well as shaded zones with plants like Cryptocoryne, Java Fern, or Anubias.

• Keep a tight-fitting lid — they may jump.

• Slight water flow is ideal, mimicking their natural streams.

🐠 Behavior and Compatibility

• Schooling Fish: Best kept in groups of at least 6 or more.

• Behavior: Active and playful, may nip fins if kept in too small a group or tank.

• Good Tankmates:

  • Other barbs (like Cherry or Rosy Barbs)

  • Danios

  • Rasboras

  • Corydoras catfish

  • Non-aggressive loaches

• Avoid: Slow-moving, long-finned fish like angelfish, guppies, or bettas.

🍽️ Diet

• Type: Omnivorous

• Food Options:

  • High-quality flake or pellet food

  • Frozen or live foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia)

  • Blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach, peas)

• Feeding Frequency: 2–3 times daily in small amounts

🧬 Sexing

• Males: Smaller, slimmer, and develop deep ruby-red coloration when mature.

• Females: Larger, rounder belly, and duller in color (more brownish-gold).

🐣 Breeding

• Type: Egg scatterer (no parental care).

• Breeding Tank Setup:

  • 15–20 gallons with fine-leaved plants or a spawning mop.

  • Soft, slightly acidic water (pH ~6.5).

  • Temperature: 26–28°C (79–82°F).

• Process:

  • Condition pair or group with high-protein foods.

  • Spawning occurs in the morning; eggs scatter on plants or substrate.

  • Remove adults after spawning to prevent them from eating eggs.

• Egg Hatching: 24–36 hours

• Fry Feeding: Infusoria or liquid fry food, then baby brine shrimp.

⚕️ Health and Care

• Common Issues: Fin rot, ich, and fungal infections (mostly from poor water quality).

• Prevention:

  • Maintain clean, well-oxygenated water.

  • Perform regular water changes (25–30% weekly).

  • Avoid sudden changes in water parameters.

🌿 Interesting Facts

• Ruby Barbs are most vibrant when kept in slightly shaded, natural aquascapes with dark substrates.

• They were first described scientifically in 1868.

• Their vivid color makes them one of the most attractive barbs for planted aquariums.