{"product_id":"black-ruby-barb-pethia-nigrofasciata","title":"Black Ruby Barb - Pethia nigrofasciata","description":"\u003ch1\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eBlack Ruby Barb – \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePethia nigrofasciata\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlack Ruby Barb\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is a beautiful, active barb known for its deep ruby-red body colour and dark charcoal-black markings in mature males. Also sold as the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePurplehead Barb\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePethia nigrofasciata\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is calmer than Tiger Barbs but still needs a proper group, clean water and plenty of swimming space. It is an excellent choice for planted community aquariums where a lively but not overly aggressive barb is wanted.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKey Identification:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Black Ruby Barb\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOther Names:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Ruby Barb, Purplehead Barb, Black-banded Barb, Black Ruby, Ruby Black Barb\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePethia nigrofasciata\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOlder \/ Trade Names:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePuntius nigrofasciatus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBarbus nigrofasciatus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFish Type:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Barb \/ Cyprinid\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWater Type:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Freshwater\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNatural Range \u0026amp; Habitat:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePethia nigrofasciata\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is native to Sri Lanka, especially clear, shaded forest streams and river margins in the south-western wet-zone drainages. Natural habitats are generally cool for a tropical fish, clean, well oxygenated and shaded, with gravel, sand, leaf litter, vegetation and quieter marginal pools.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn the aquarium, Black Ruby Barbs do best in mature planted setups with open swimming room, shaded areas, darker décor and steady filtration. They appreciate clean, oxygen-rich water and should not be kept in hot, stagnant or poorly maintained aquariums.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAppearance \u0026amp; Adult Size:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlack Ruby Barbs have a deep barb body with dark vertical banding and a warm silver, gold, red or purple body tone. Mature males can become especially impressive, developing a dark head and body with rich ruby-red to purple-red colouration, particularly when displaying. Females are usually fuller-bodied, paler and more golden or striped.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAdults usually reach around \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e5–6 cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Colour improves with age, good diet, stable water and mixed-sex group keeping.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAquarium Suitability:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is a good species for peaceful to moderately active community aquariums, planted barb displays and cooler tropical setups. Black Ruby Barbs are more manageable than many nippy barbs, but they are still active shoaling fish and need room to move.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThey are not suitable for tiny aquariums, very warm discus-style tanks, aggressive cichlid setups, predator communities or very quiet nano displays. They are usually safer with long-finned fish than Tiger Barbs, but calm, fin-safe tank mates are still the best choice.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRecommended Aquarium Size:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA practical minimum is \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e90–120 litres for a group\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, with a tank length of at least \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e80 cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e recommended. Larger aquariums are better for bigger groups and mixed communities.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKeep in a group of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eat least 6\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, with \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e8–10 or more\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e preferred. A larger group improves confidence, spreads male display behaviour and helps the fish show better colour.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWater Conditions:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 20–26°C\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003epH:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 6.0–7.5\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHardness:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Soft to moderately hard\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAdditional Notes:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Black Ruby Barbs prefer clean, stable, well-oxygenated water. They are not a high-temperature species and should not be kept long term in overheated aquariums. Regular water changes, good filtration and shaded planted areas are recommended.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperament \u0026amp; Tank Mates:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAquarium Category:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Community Fish\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlack Ruby Barbs are generally peaceful, active community fish. Suitable tank mates include danios, peaceful rasboras, larger tetras, Cherry Barbs, Rosy Barbs in compatible temperatures, Cory-type catfish, bristlenose plecs, hillstream loaches in suitable setups and calm community fish that enjoy clean, well-oxygenated water.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvoid large predators, aggressive cichlids, very shy nano fish and delicate slow feeders that may be intimidated by active barbs. They should not be kept singly or in pairs, as this reduces confidence and can make behaviour less predictable.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFeeding:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlack Ruby Barbs are omnivorous, with a strong natural interest in plant matter, algae and detritus. Offer quality flakes, small granules or micro pellets as the staple diet. Include vegetable-based foods such as spirulina flakes, algae wafers or blanched greens, and supplement with frozen or live foods such as daphnia, cyclops, brineshrimp, mosquito larvae and small bloodworm.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA varied diet with some vegetable content helps maintain colour, digestion and condition.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBehaviour in the Aquarium:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis species usually swims through the middle and lower areas of the aquarium, moving between plant cover and open water. Males may display to females and rival males, becoming much darker and redder when settled. Some chasing and sparring is normal, but it is usually manageable in a spacious aquarium with a good-sized group.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlack Ruby Barbs are egg scatterers and do not provide parental care. If spawning occurs in a community aquarium, eggs and fry are usually eaten unless a separate breeding setup is used.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCare Notes:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAdd Black Ruby Barbs only to a mature, fully cycled aquarium. Provide plant cover, shaded areas, open swimming space and regular maintenance. Avoid prolonged high temperatures, poor oxygenation and cramped conditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis species often looks dull when young or stressed, but mature males can become extremely colourful once settled into a planted aquarium with females present and good water quality.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRecommended For:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBeginner to intermediate\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvailability:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCommon to occasional \/ Usually captive-bred or farmed\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eImage Disclaimer:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAll images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Natural variation in size, red colour, black coverage, banding, body tone and markings can occur between individual fish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Warehouse Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Small","offer_id":43702183362634,"sku":"AG-103561","price":2.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium","offer_id":43702183395402,"sku":"AG-103562","price":3.45,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large","offer_id":43702183428170,"sku":"AG-103563","price":4.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0623\/1877\/2298\/files\/BlackRubyBarb-Pethianigrofasciata_1.jpg?v=1781515418","url":"https:\/\/warehouse-aquatics.co.uk\/products\/black-ruby-barb-pethia-nigrofasciata","provider":"Warehouse Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}