Easy
Golden Barb (Barbodes semifasciolatus)
18–24°C · pH 6–8 · 80L
£2.99
Black Ruby Barb is an active Sri Lankan shoaling barb for planted community aquariums. Keep a group of six or more for the best colour and behaviour.
Adult size is the maximum length this species reaches at full maturity (scientific sources). The livestock you receive will be younger and smaller — pick a size variant above for the actual shipping size. Photos are AI-enhanced, so the animal may show subtle colour or marking differences.
Pethia nigrofasciata
Black Ruby Barb are a shoaling species — they need 6+ to feel safe and show their full colour.
Black Ruby Barb is an active Sri Lankan shoaling barb for planted community aquariums. Keep a group of six or more for the best colour and behaviour.
Adult size is the maximum length this species reaches at full maturity (scientific sources). The livestock you receive will be younger and smaller — pick a size variant above for the actual shipping size. Photos are AI-enhanced, so the animal may show subtle colour or marking differences.
Maintain these water conditions for optimal health and vibrant colors
Black Ruby Barb (Pethia nigrofasciata), often sold simply as Ruby Barb, is a lively Sri Lankan barb for planted community aquariums. Mature males develop deep ruby-black colour when settled, while females are usually softer silver-gold with dark banding. Keep them as a proper group so their energy stays within the shoal rather than being directed at tank mates.
| Scientific name | Pethia nigrofasciata |
|---|---|
| Common names | Black Ruby Barb, Ruby Barb |
| Adult size | 5-6 cm |
| Minimum aquarium | 80 litres for a group, with more space preferred |
| Temperature | 20-26°C |
| pH | 6.0-7.5 |
| Temperament | Active, generally peaceful when kept in a group |
| Diet | Quality flakes, small pellets, frozen foods and vegetable matter |
Use a mature aquarium with open swimming space, plants around the sides and back, and gentle cover from wood or floating plants. A group of six or more is strongly recommended. In too small a group, Ruby Barbs can become pushy; in a settled shoal they are much easier to manage and show better colour.
They suit robust peaceful tank mates that enjoy similar water, including many barbs, danios, rasboras, loaches and medium community fish. Avoid slow long-finned fish if the group is small or the tank is cramped.
Offer a varied omnivore diet. Use quality flake or micro pellets as the staple, then rotate small frozen foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp or bloodworm, plus occasional vegetable-based foods. Several small feeds keep the group active without polluting the water.
Livestock is packed carefully for UK dispatch by licensed live-animal courier where live-animal shipping applies. First-time eligible customers can use at checkout, and livestock orders are covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee when the arrival steps are followed.
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