🐟 Black Ruby Barb (Pethia nigrofasciata)
Freshwater Barb • Peaceful Schooling • Community Fish • Color Display
 
📋 The Black Ruby Barb (Pethia nigrofasciata) is a classic Sri Lankan shoaler known for males that turn deep ruby-red with near-black bodies during courtship, while females remain bronze-gold with dark vertical bars. This contrast makes mixed groups visually striking in planted tanks.
Adaptable and hardy, they thrive in clean, well-filtered water with gentle to moderate flow and appreciate leaf litter, wood, and plants. Keep in groups of 6+ to promote natural schooling and reduce any nippy behavior.
Peaceful by nature, they pair well with rasboras, smaller tetras, danios, and Corydoras. Provide open swim lanes and subdued lighting to bring out their best color.
 
💡 Highlights
✨ Breeding-Color Spectacle: Males turn ruby red with black body
⚪ Calm Community Shoaler: Peaceful, active midwater fish
📏 Display in Planted Tanks: Dark substrate enhances color
✅ Captive-Bred Availability: Consistent, hardy stock
🐟Great with Small Tankmates: Ideal for community aquariums