The Black Ruby Barb, also known as the Ruby Barb, is one of the most stunning color-changing Barbs in the aquarium hobby. Juveniles begin with soft silver and black striping, but as males mature, they transform into deep ruby-red fish with dramatic black markings, making Black Ruby Barbs one of the most eye-catching schooling fish for planted and community tanks. Native to the clear, slow-moving streams of Sri Lanka, the Black Ruby Barb (Pethia nigrofasciata) thrives in shaded, plant-rich environments with gentle current. This species is famous for its dramatic coloration: males turn a glowing ruby red during breeding season, while their bodies darken to a glossy black, hence the name Black Ruby Barb. These Barbs are peaceful schooling fish and do exceptionally well in planted aquariums where their colors intensify against green backgrounds. Their calm temperament and social nature make them excellent additions to community tanks. A full-grown Black Ruby Barb typically reaches 2.5–3 inches (6–7.5 cm) in length. Males develop a striking ruby-red body with bold black patches, while females remain lighter with golden undertones and subtle striping. Black Ruby Barbs are peaceful, active schooling fish that thrive in groups of 6–10 or more. They rarely nip fins when housed correctly and show constant, playful movement throughout the aquarium. Ideal Black Ruby Barb tank mates include Cherry Barbs & Rosy Barbs, Harlequin Rasboras, Tetras, Gouramis, Corydoras catfish, Loaches, and Livebearers (Platies, Mollies, Swordtails). Avoid slow, long-finned fish such as Bettas, Fancy guppies, and Angelfish. The ideal Black Ruby Barb tank features live plants, driftwood, soft lighting, and open swimming space. At Splashy Fish tropical fish store, our Black Ruby Barbs for sale and other Barb fish for sale are tank-bred, grown, and sold with love and care. Visit our fish store online or aquarium in Virginia for more high-quality freshwater fish for sale, such as betta fish for sale, aquatic plants for sale, freshwater shrimp for sale, and other aquarium supplies. WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM THIS FISH: Dramatic red-and-black color transformation in males Peaceful schooling fish are ideal for community tanks Grows up to 3 inches, which is perfect for planted aquariums Hardy and beginner-friendly species Adds nonstop motion and color to freshwater setups RECOMMENDED TANK PARAMETERS: Tank Size: Minimum 20–30 gallons Temperature: 72°–79°F (22°–26°C) pH: 6.0–7.5 Hardness: 3–12 dGHFiltration: Gentle to moderate flow with clean, well-oxygenated water Black Ruby Barbs Care Guidelines Diet: Omnivorous. Feed high-quality flakes, micro pellets, and frozen foods like brine shrimp and daphnia. Color-enhancing foods help intensify the ruby-red hues in males. Tank Setup: Provide live plants, subdued lighting, driftwood, and open space for schooling. A planted background enhances their red and black coloration. Behavior: Peaceful, social, and active. Best kept in groups of 6–10+ for natural schooling and to reduce stress. Black Ruby Barb Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Are Black Ruby Barbs fin nippers? Black Ruby Barbs can show mild fin-nipping behavior, but this usually happens only when they are kept in too small of a group. When kept in proper schools of 6–10 Black Ruby Barbs, they direct their energy toward schooling instead of picking on tankmates. In a well-stocked, active community aquarium, Black Ruby Barbs are peaceful and rarely nip fins, making them suitable for many mid-sized community fish. How big do Black Ruby Barbs get? A full-grown Black Ruby Barb reaches about 2.5–3 inches (6–7.5 cm) in length. Males often display deeper ruby-red coloration with darker black patches, while females remain slightly larger-bodied with softer tones. Their moderate size makes them ideal for 20–30+ gallon community tanks. How many Black Ruby Barbs should I keep together? Black Ruby Barbs are true schooling fish and should always be kept in groups of at least 6, though 8–10+ is ideal for best color, confidence, and behavior. Larger groups reduce stress, prevent fin-nipping, and encourage the vibrant ruby coloration males are known for. Keeping them in proper numbers also creates beautiful, synchronized schooling movement in the aquarium. { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [{ "@type": "Question", "name": "Are Black Ruby Barbs fin nippers?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Black Ruby Barbs can show mild fin-nipping behavior, but this usually happens only when they are kept in too small of a group. When kept in proper schools of 6–10 Black Ruby Barbs, they direct their energy toward schooling instead of picking on tankmates. In a well-stocked, active community aquarium, Black Ruby Barbs are peaceful and rarely nip fins, making them suitable for many mid-sized community fish." } },{ "@type": "Question", "name": "How big do Black Ruby Barbs get?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "A full-grown Black Ruby Barb reaches about 2.5–3 inches (6–7.5 cm) in length. Males often display deeper ruby-red coloration with darker black patches, while females remain slightly larger-bodied with softer tones. Their moderate size makes them ideal for 20–30+ gallon community tanks." } },{ "@type": "Question", "name": "How many Black Ruby Barbs should I keep together?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Black Ruby Barbs are true schooling fish and should always be kept in groups of at least 6, though 8–10+ is ideal for best color, confidence, and behavior. Larger groups reduce stress, prevent fin-nipping, and encourage the vibrant ruby coloration males are known for. Keeping them in proper numbers also creates beautiful, synchronized schooling movement in the aquarium." } }] }
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