The Black Ruby Barb (Pethia nigrofasciata) is a small, hardy, and colorful freshwater fish with a striking black and ruby-red coloration. Males exhibit intense red hues during breeding, while females are more subdued. They are active, schooling fish that add vibrant color to community aquariums.
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The Black Ruby Barb (Pethia nigrofasciata) is a small, hardy, and colorful freshwater fish with a striking black and ruby-red coloration. Males exhibit intense red hues during breeding, while females are more subdued. They are active, schooling fish that add vibrant color to community aquariums.
Slender, laterally compressed body. Males display ruby-red coloration with black dorsal and anal fins, especially pronounced during breeding. Females are olive-brown with subtle red tints. Adults reach up to 2 inches (5 cm).
4–6 years with proper care
Omnivorous — feeds on high-quality flakes, pellets, and occasional live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp.
Black Ruby Barbs are vibrant, peaceful, and lively schooling fish. Proper schooling, water maintenance, and a balanced diet ensure their health and allow males to display full coloration.
Easy — hardy and adaptable species suitable for beginners.
20 gallons (for a school of 6+)
6.0 to 7.0
5–12 dGH
74–78°F (23–26°C)
2 inches (5 cm)
Compatible with other peaceful, similarly sized fish such as danios, tetras, and other barbs.
Avoid slow-moving or long-finned fish that may be stressed or nipped.
Pethia nigrofasciata
Cyprinidae
Sri Lanka
Schooling fish. Best kept in groups of 6 or more to promote natural behavior and reduce stress.
Feed 2–3 times daily in small portions. Provide a varied diet including flakes, pellets, and occasional live/frozen foods to maintain coloration and health.
Egg scatterer. Spawns over fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. Adults should be removed after spawning to prevent egg predation.
Provide a separate breeding tank with soft, slightly acidic to neutral water (pH 6.0–7.0, temperature 74–78°F / 23–26°C). Scatter eggs among fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. Eggs hatch in 24 hours; fry become free-swimming in 3–4 days. Feed fry infusoria initially, then transition to baby brine shrimp or finely crushed flakes.
pH: 6.0–7.0, Temperature: 74–78°F (23–26°C), Hardness: 5–12 dGH, Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm, Nitrate: <20 ppm.
Prone to ich, fin rot, and stress if kept in poor water conditions or insufficient group sizes.
Peaceful but active; best kept in schools to encourage natural behavior and minimize stress.
Active, schooling, and peaceful. Prefers mid-level swimming areas and benefits from groups of 6 or more for reduced stress.
Native to Sri Lanka, the Black Ruby Barb is admired for its striking coloration and peaceful nature. Males become intensely red during breeding periods, while females remain darker and less vivid. This species thrives in planted aquariums with open swimming spaces and moderate water flow. Ideal for beginner to intermediate aquarists, Black Ruby Barbs are hardy and easy to maintain.