{"product_id":"black-ruby-barb-pethia-nigrofasciata","title":"Black Ruby Barb - Pethia nigrofasciata","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"236\" data-end=\"274\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBlack Ruby Barb (Pethia nigrofasciata)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"236\" data-end=\"274\"\u003eThe Black Ruby Barb, Pethia nigrofasciata, is a beautiful Sri Lankan barb with a peaceful nature and outstanding mature male colouration. Juveniles and females are more understated, usually showing a silvery to yellowish body with dark vertical bands, while settled adult males develop rich ruby-red to purple-black tones with darker fins. Also known as the Purple-headed Barb or Ruby Barb, this species is an excellent choice for planted community aquariums, especially when kept in a proper group where its natural colour and display behaviour can be seen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"855\" data-end=\"934\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"867\" data-end=\"870\"\u003eBlack Ruby Barb, Ruby Barb, Purple-headed Barb, Purplehead Barb.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"936\" data-end=\"1052\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name (Latin):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"960\" data-end=\"963\"\u003ePethia nigrofasciata\u003cbr data-start=\"983\" data-end=\"986\"\u003eFormerly known as Puntius nigrofasciatus or Barbus nigrofasciatus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1054\" data-end=\"1136\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaximum Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1067\" data-end=\"1070\"\u003eUsually around 5–6 cm, with some females reaching slightly larger.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1138\" data-end=\"1162\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Type\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003cbr data-start=\"1149\" data-end=\"1152\"\u003eFreshwater\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1164\" data-end=\"1465\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin \/ Natural Habitat:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1189\" data-end=\"1192\"\u003eEndemic to south-western Sri Lanka. In the wild, Black Ruby Barbs inhabit clear, cool, shaded forest streams and stream margins, often over sand or gravel with leaf litter, marginal vegetation and quieter pools along flowing water. Most aquarium specimens are captive-bred.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1467\" data-end=\"1660\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Parameters:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1484\" data-end=\"1487\"\u003eTemperature: 20–26°C\u003cbr data-start=\"1507\" data-end=\"1510\"\u003epH Range: 6.0–7.5\u003cbr data-start=\"1527\" data-end=\"1530\"\u003eHardness or Salinity: Soft to moderately hard freshwater; adaptable when captive-bred, but avoid unstable or very warm conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1662\" data-end=\"1954\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1674\" data-end=\"1677\"\u003ePeaceful and slightly shy. Black Ruby Barbs are calmer than many larger or more boisterous barbs and are well suited to community aquariums. Males may display to one another, especially when in breeding colour, but serious aggression is uncommon when the group is large enough.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1956\" data-end=\"2301\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1961\" data-end=\"1964\"\u003eOmnivorous with a natural preference for algae, detritus and small invertebrate foods. In the aquarium, offer quality tropical flakes, micro pellets, small granules, frozen daphnia, brineshrimp, cyclops, bloodworm and occasional spirulina or vegetable-based foods. A varied diet with some plant matter helps support condition and colour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2303\" data-end=\"2506\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2321\" data-end=\"2324\"\u003eA minimum of 90 litres is recommended for a group, with larger planted aquariums preferred. An aquarium with at least 80 cm of swimming length is ideal for a confident, active shoal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2508\" data-end=\"2920\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBehaviour \u0026amp; Activity:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2533\" data-end=\"2536\"\u003eA mid-level to lower-level shoaling barb that becomes much more confident when kept in numbers. Keep at least 6 individuals, with 8–10 or more preferred for natural behaviour and stronger male colour. Males often display by darkening and intensifying their red and black tones, especially in the presence of females. They appreciate plants, wood, shaded areas and open swimming space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2922\" data-end=\"3335\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAquarium Category:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2940\" data-end=\"2943\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eCommunity Fish\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2957\" data-end=\"2960\"\u003eSuitable with peaceful community species such as small to medium tetras, rasboras, danios, Corydoras, peaceful loaches, gouramis, rainbowfish and other calm barbs. Avoid large predatory fish, aggressive cichlids, very timid slow feeders, or long-finned fish if the group is stressed or understocked, though this species is not normally a major fin-nipper when kept correctly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3337\" data-end=\"3773\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial Requirements or Care Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"3372\" data-end=\"3375\"\u003eKeep in groups rather than singly or in pairs. A planted aquarium with darker substrate, floating plants or shaded areas will help them feel secure and show their best colour. They prefer cooler tropical conditions compared with many community fish, so avoid prolonged high temperatures. Maintain good water quality and provide regular water changes. Not suitable for brand-new, unstable aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3775\" data-end=\"3827\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"3788\" data-end=\"3791\"\u003eBeginner to intermediate fishkeepers\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3829\" data-end=\"3890\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailability:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"3842\" data-end=\"3845\"\u003eCommon in trade \/ Captive-bred where relevant\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3892\" data-end=\"4152\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAll images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Aqua Group","offers":[{"title":"Small","offer_id":46116685545645,"sku":"AG-103561","price":2.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium","offer_id":46116685578413,"sku":"AG-103562","price":3.45,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large","offer_id":46116685611181,"sku":"AG-103563","price":4.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0543\/0391\/6205\/files\/BlackRubyBarb-Pethianigrofasciata_6e42c2bb-b101-4c0f-8853-caec56504a6d.jpg?v=1781515474","url":"https:\/\/aquagroup.co.uk\/products\/black-ruby-barb-pethia-nigrofasciata","provider":"Aqua Group","version":"1.0","type":"link"}