Black Ruby Barb Fish

Black ruby barb purple headed barb fish species profile characteristics.

Black ruby barb fish.

From the latin niger meaning black and fasciatus meaning banded in reference to this species colour pattern. Plants will give the weaker individuals a place to hide until the pecking order of the school is established. A highly recommended aquarium fish that grows to about 6 long but is slender so it will eventually need an aquarium with at least 50 gallons of water. Black ruby barb synonymstop barbus nigrofasciatus günther 1868.

The black ruby barb is a sleek looking fish that is best described as being a an omnivore and a friendly tank mate although it may have issues with large fish that are carnivores. Pelvic and anal fins in males turn black or red black. Paler colors can be noticed in females in these areas. Ideally the aquarium should contain soft water with plenty of planted areas shaded areas and hiding spots.

The brightly colored population introduced to mahaweli at ginigathena sri lanka is said to have. A well planted aquarium with rock work and driftwood bogwood. 2 8 inches 7 cm. Average adult fish size.

This is a beautiful barb and like most aquarium barbs it s very hardy and energetic but this species is not too aggressive. Possessing a pointed head high back and deep body the ruby barb is similar. Females have rounded bellies and may grow longer than males. The ruby barb originates in sri lanka where it was once plentiful in the forest streams in the.

It prefers soft slightly acidic water though it will do fine in a ph 7 0 as it does not like dirty water. The base of the dorsal fins in females turns black while in males the entire dorsal fin turns black. Although the fish is hardy and adaptable it will only show its best colours and confidence in the right conditions. The black ruby barb pethia nigrofasciata formerly puntius nigrofasciatus or purplehead barb is a tropical cyprinid fish endemic to sri lanka where it occurs in forested streams from the kelani basin to the nilwala basin.

Mountain streams in sri lanka. The ruby barb is a beautifully coloured fish and well suited to the aquarium. Males develop an. They are found in streams on hills around 1000 ft 300 m in elevation.