The Black Ruby Barb, also known as the Purple-Headed Barb, is a stunning freshwater fish species that can transform any aquarium into a colorful underwater paradise. But before you add these lively swimmers to your tank, it’s essential to understand their unique needs, behaviors, and care requirements. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about keeping Black Ruby Barbs happy and healthy.

🐟 What Are Black Ruby Barbs?

Black Ruby Barbs (Pethia nigrofasciata) are small, vibrant fish native to the freshwater streams and rivers of Sri Lanka. Their name comes from the male’s striking coloration, which features a deep ruby-red body and dark purple head during breeding. Females are less colorful but still beautiful, with a silver body and faint black stripes.

These fish are popular among aquarists because of their energetic personalities and compatibility with other species. They’re also relatively easy to care for, making them a great choice for beginners and experienced fishkeepers alike.

🏡 Ideal Tank Setup for Black Ruby Barbs

Creating the perfect environment for your Black Ruby Barbs is crucial for their health and happiness. They thrive in a well-maintained, species-appropriate tank setup that mimics their natural habitat.

• Tank size: A minimum of 20 gallons for a small group of 5–6 barbs
• Water temperature: 72°F–79°F (22°C–26°C)
• pH level: Slightly acidic to neutral, around 6.0–7.0
• Substrate: Fine gravel or sandy substrate to replicate riverbeds
• Plants: Dense vegetation like Java fern, Anubias, or Vallisneria
• Lighting: Moderate lighting to enhance their colors
• Filtration: A high-quality filter to maintain water quality

Black Ruby Barbs are active swimmers, so be sure to leave open areas in the tank for them to explore. Adding driftwood or rocks can also provide hiding spots and make the tank feel more natural.

🦐 What Do Black Ruby Barbs Eat?

These omnivorous fish are not picky eaters, but a balanced diet is key to their vibrant coloration and overall health. In the wild, they feed on small insects, algae, and plant matter.

In captivity, you can offer a variety of foods, such as:

• High-quality flake or pellet food
• Frozen or live foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, or bloodworms
• Blanched vegetables like zucchini or spinach

Feed them small portions 2–3 times a day, and avoid overfeeding, as uneaten food can pollute the tank.

🐠 Behavior and Tankmates

Black Ruby Barbs are schooling fish that thrive in groups of at least 5–6. Keeping them in a group reduces stress and brings out their natural behaviors, including playful chasing and synchronized swimming.

They are generally peaceful but can become slightly territorial during breeding. When choosing tankmates, opt for other community fish with similar temperaments and water requirements. Good options include:

• Tetras
• Danios
• Corydoras catfish
• Gouramis

Avoid slow-moving or long-finned species like bettas, as Black Ruby Barbs may nip at their fins.

🌱 Breeding Black Ruby Barbs

Breeding Black Ruby Barbs in captivity is relatively straightforward with the right conditions. During the breeding season, males become more vibrant, displaying their deep ruby-red coloration to attract females.

Follow these tips to encourage successful breeding:

• Set up a separate breeding tank with soft, slightly acidic water
• Add fine-leaved plants or a spawning mop for egg-laying
• Condition the pair with high-protein foods like live or frozen bloodworms

Females will scatter eggs among the plants, and males will fertilize them. Remove the adults after spawning, as they may eat the eggs. The eggs will hatch in 24–48 hours, and the fry can be fed infusoria or liquid fry food until they are large enough to eat crushed flakes.

🩺 Common Health Issues in Black Ruby Barbs

While Black Ruby Barbs are hardy fish, they can still be affected by common freshwater fish diseases. Regular tank maintenance and a healthy diet can prevent most issues, but here are some problems to watch for:

• Ich (white spot disease): Characterized by white spots on the body and fins
• Fin rot: Frayed or discolored fins caused by bacterial infections
• Swim bladder disease: Difficulty swimming or floating abnormally

If you notice any of these symptoms, quarantine the affected fish and consult a veterinarian or aquatic specialist. Maintaining good water quality and avoiding overcrowding can help prevent disease outbreaks.

FAQs

Q: How big do Black Ruby Barbs get?

A: Black Ruby Barbs typically grow to about 2–2.5 inches in length, making them a great choice for medium-sized tanks.

Q: Are Black Ruby Barbs aggressive?

A: While generally peaceful, they can show mild aggression during breeding or if kept in too small a group. Keeping them in schools of 5 or more helps minimize this behavior.

Q: How long do Black Ruby Barbs live?

A: With proper care, these fish can live for 5–7 years in a home aquarium.

Q: Can Black Ruby Barbs live with shrimp?

A: They may nip at or eat smaller shrimp, so it’s best to house them with larger species like Amano shrimp.

References

• Seriously Fish – Pethia nigrofasciata
• Aquarium Source – Black Ruby Barb
• Fishkeeping World – Black Ruby Barb

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