Black Ruby

Scientific Classification

• Scientific Name: Puntius nigrofasciatus
• Common Names: Black Ruby Barb, Ruby Barb
• Family: Cyprinidae
• Origin: Native to Southeast Asia, particularly in the rivers and streams of Myanmar (Burma) and Thailand.

Physical Description

• Coloration: Black Ruby Barbs feature a beautiful deep black or dark brown body with iridescent red or ruby highlights, particularly on their fins and the upper body. The vibrant colors can be more pronounced in males, especially during breeding.
• Size: They typically grow to about 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to 10 cm) in length.
• Body Shape: Black Ruby Barbs have a streamlined, torpedo-shaped body that is slightly laterally compressed, which aids in their swimming agility.
• Fins: Their fins are usually red or orange, adding to their overall beauty.

Behavior

• Temperament: Black Ruby Barbs are generally peaceful and social fish, making them suitable for community tanks. However, they can exhibit some nipping behavior, especially if they feel crowded or if there are long-finned fish present.
• Social Structure: They thrive in groups, so it’s best to keep them in schools of at least 5 to 6 individuals to promote natural behavior and reduce stress.
• Activity Level: These fish are quite active swimmers, often seen darting around the tank, which adds liveliness to any aquarium.

Habitat

• Natural Habitat: In the wild, Black Ruby Barbs inhabit freshwater environments, typically found in shallow waters with dense vegetation and slow-moving currents.
• Aquarium Setup: Provide a well-planted tank with open swimming space. Use a sandy or gravel substrate and include hiding spots with plants, driftwood, or rocks.

Diet

• Feeding: Black Ruby Barbs are omnivorous and will accept a variety of foods. In captivity, they thrive on a balanced diet of high-quality flake food, pellets, freeze-dried foods, and occasional live foods (like brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia).
• Feeding Frequency: Feed them once or twice a day, offering only as much food as they can consume within a few minutes.

Breeding

• Breeding Type: Black Ruby Barbs are egg scatterers. They do not exhibit parental care, and the eggs are typically scattered over the substrate or among plants.
• Nesting: To breed successfully, provide a separate breeding tank with fine-leaved plants where females can scatter their eggs.
• Fry Care: Once the eggs hatch (usually within 24 to 48 hours), the fry can be fed infusoria or finely crushed flakes until they grow large enough for larger foods.

Care Requirements

• Tank Size: A minimum of 20 gallons is recommended for a school of Black Ruby Barbs.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 70°F to 78°F (21°C to 26°C)
  • pH Level: 6.5 to 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
  • Hardness: 5 to 15 dGH
• Filtration: Good filtration is important to maintain water quality, as they are sensitive to poor conditions. Regular water changes are also necessary.

Compatibility

• Tank Mates: Black Ruby Barbs can coexist with a variety of community fish, including tetras, danios, rasboras, and other small to medium-sized fish. Avoid keeping them with overly aggressive or larger fish that may bully them.
• Behavior with Others: While generally peaceful, they may display some territorial behavior during breeding or if kept in overly crowded conditions.

Lifespan

• Lifespan: With proper care, Black Ruby Barbs can live for about 5 to 7 years in captivity.

Interesting Facts

• The Black Ruby Barb is known for its stunning colors and lively behavior, making it a favorite among aquarists.
• Their active nature and social behavior often lead to interesting interactions with tank mates, making them a great addition to community aquariums.