Black ruby barb
Pethia nigrofasciata
FishFreshwater
- Care level
- Easy
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Recommended tank
- 100 L
- Maximum size
- 6 cm
- Temperature
- 22–26 °C
- pH
- 6–7.5
- Group size
- ≥ 6
- Diet
- Omnivore
Care at a glance
The black ruby barb occurs only in the shaded streams of south-western Sri Lanka. Out of season it is an unremarkable grey-brown striped fish, but a displaying male turns deep ruby red with a black rear half.
Keep it in a group with a few more females than males: the males will then show off to each other rather than harass tankmates. It likes slightly cooler, subdued water with planting and floating cover; kept too warm, fish lose colour and age quickly.
Related species
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Values are mainstream hobbyist guidance, not gospel — always watch what your own animals need.