Black Ruby Barb

Pethia nigrofasciata

Black Ruby Barb is a peaceful middle swimmer. Keep in a school of at least 6.

PeacefulMiddle swimmerKeep in a school of at least 6Beginner

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Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 2.2" (≤ 5.5 cm)
Aquarium size: 19 US gal (72 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Middle swimmer
Temperature: 68–81°F (20–27°C)
pH: 5.5–7.5
GH: 2–15 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 6 years
Group behavior: Keep in a school of at least 6

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner.

Lifespan: up to 6 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 19 US gal (72 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 20–27 °C, pH 5.5–7.5, GH 2–15 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Black Ruby Barb is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Black Ruby Barb should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 19 US gal (72 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length.
Make room for its social group.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Keep in a school of at least 6.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Sri Lanka.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Bandula Barb Pethia bandula Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.6" (≤ 4.1 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) African Banded Barb Barbus fasciolatus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 68–79°F (20–26°C) Black Barred Danio Danio absconditus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2" (≤ 5.2 cm) 63–79°F (17–26°C) Black Ink Barb Barbodes bunau Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 75–82°F (24–28°C) Blue Danio Danio kerri Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.8" (≤ 4.5 cm) 64–77°F (18–25°C) Barred Danio Devario pathirana Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 73–79°F (23–26°C)

FAQ

How large does Black Ruby Barb get?

Black Ruby Barb reaches ≤ 2.2" (≤ 5.5 cm).

What aquarium size does Black Ruby Barb need?

Use an aquarium of at least 19 US gal (72 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length.

Is Black Ruby Barb peaceful?

Yes. Black Ruby Barb is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Black Ruby Barb?

Keep it between 20 to 27 °C.

Should Black Ruby Barb be kept alone or in a group?

Black Ruby Barb: Keep in a school of at least 6.