Black Ruby Barb – Cuboid Nature Aquarium

Black Ruby Barb

Black Ruby Barb(Pethia nigrofasciata) undergoes one of the most dramatic color transformations available in a barb. Outside breeding condition, males are attractive but unremarkable — pale with dark vertical bars. When competing or spawning, the front of the body floods with deep, vivid ruby-red and the rear turns jet black — a transformation so complete it is almost unbelievable this is the same fish.

Feeding & Care Tip:Hikari Micro PelletsandSera Vipan Tropical Flakesmake excellent daily staples. Supplement 2–3× per week withHikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried BloodwormsorHikari Vibra Bitesto trigger and maintain the vivid breeding coloration.Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimpare an excellent additional treat.

Native to clear, fast-flowing, shaded forest streams of Sri Lanka — the same biodiverse, threatened freshwater environment as the Cherry Barb. IUCN Vulnerable in the wild; all aquarium stock is captive-bred. Prefers slightly soft, slightly acidic to neutral water with good oxygenation.

Keep in groups of at least six, with more females than males to distribute male attention. Males compete constantly when females are present, maintaining their extraordinary breeding coloration almost continuously in a well-kept group. Completely peaceful and suitable for planted community tanks.

Egg-scatterer. Males in full ruby-and-black breeding color are among the most dramatic small barbs available. The transformation from drab to extraordinary takes seconds and is endlessly fascinating to watch.

Care & Ideal Parameters