Black Ruby Barb Pethia nigrofasciata 2-3cm

Description

Black Ruby Barb (Pethia nigrofasciata)

A spectacular Sri Lankan barb prized for its deep ruby-red body, velvety black markings and peaceful schooling nature, making it one of the most beautiful barbs for planted community aquariums.

Quick Facts

  • Scientific name: Pethia nigrofasciata
  • Common name: Black Ruby Barb
  • Adult size: 5–6 cm
  • Tank size: 75L+ recommended
  • Difficulty: 🟢 Easy
  • Temperament: Peaceful
  • Best kept: Schools of 6 or more

Is this for you?

āœ”ļø Perfect if:

  • You want a colourful but peaceful schooling fish.
  • You keep a planted community aquarium.
  • You enjoy natural fish that become more vibrant with age.
  • You want something a little less common than Cherry or Tiger Barbs.

āŒ Avoid if:

  • You keep aggressive or highly territorial fish.
  • You plan on keeping only one or two fish.
  • Your aquarium has very little plant cover.
  • You keep large predatory species.

Why choose the Black Ruby Barb?

The Black Ruby Barb is one of the most striking barb species available. Mature males develop an intense ruby-red head and body contrasted by velvety black markings, while females display warm golden and bronze tones that create a beautiful contrast within the school.

Unlike the more boisterous Tiger Barb, Black Ruby Barbs are peaceful and spend their time calmly schooling through planted aquariums. Their colours intensify dramatically when they feel secure, especially over dark substrates with plenty of plants and subdued lighting.

Hardy, active and easy to care for, they're an excellent choice for aquarists looking to add rich colour without sacrificing community compatibility.

Common mistakes

  • Keeping too few individuals.
  • Housing them with aggressive tank mates.
  • Providing little plant cover.
  • Using very bright lighting without shaded areas.
  • Neglecting regular water changes.

Care made simple

  • Temperature: 22–27°C
  • pH: 6.0–7.5
  • Diet: Premium flakes, quality pellets, frozen foods and live foods
  • Water: Clean, stable and well-filtered
  • Setup: Planted aquarium with driftwood, shaded areas, open swimming space and dark substrate to maximise colour

Pairs perfectly with

  • Cherry Barbs
  • Harlequin Rasboras
  • Honey Gouramis
  • Corydoras
  • Dwarf Rainbowfish
NTA Insight:
Black Ruby Barbs are one of the most underrated community fish available. Newly imported or juvenile fish often appear fairly plain, but mature males develop breathtaking ruby-red colouration that's every bit as impressive as many far more expensive species. Keep them in a well-planted aquarium with a varied diet and you'll see why they're considered one of Sri Lanka's finest native aquarium fish.

FAQ

How many Black Ruby Barbs should I keep?

They are schooling fish and should be kept in groups of at least six. Schools of 8–10 or more encourage natural behaviour, reduce stress and produce the best colours.

Are Black Ruby Barbs aggressive?

No. They are one of the most peaceful barb species and make excellent community fish when housed with similarly peaceful tank mates.

Can they live with shrimp?

Adult shrimp are generally safe, although tiny shrimplets may occasionally be eaten. Dense mosses and heavily planted areas provide excellent shelter for young shrimp.

Can Black Ruby Barbs breed in home aquariums?

Yes. They are egg scatterers and can be bred in dedicated breeding aquariums with fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. Removing the adults after spawning greatly improves fry survival.

Why aren't my Black Ruby Barbs bright red?

Only mature males develop the famous ruby-red breeding colours. Clean water, a varied diet, subdued lighting, dark substrate and a proper school will help bring out their full colour potential.

Black Ruby Barb Pethia nigrofasciata 2-3cm

Product form

Out of stock,  

$10.00


All prices include GST
Is Online Fish Ordering Right for You?
    • 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
    • Live Guaranteed to your Home or Office
    • Price Match Available

    Description

    Black Ruby Barb (Pethia nigrofasciata)

    A spectacular Sri Lankan barb prized for its deep ruby-red body, velvety black markings and peaceful schooling nature, making it one of the most beautiful barbs for planted community aquariums.

    Quick Facts

    • Scientific name: Pethia nigrofasciata
    • Common name: Black Ruby Barb
    • Adult size: 5–6 cm
    • Tank size: 75L+ recommended
    • Difficulty: 🟢 Easy
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Best kept: Schools of 6 or more

    Is this for you?

    āœ”ļø Perfect if:

    • You want a colourful but peaceful schooling fish.
    • You keep a planted community aquarium.
    • You enjoy natural fish that become more vibrant with age.
    • You want something a little less common than Cherry or Tiger Barbs.

    āŒ Avoid if:

    • You keep aggressive or highly territorial fish.
    • You plan on keeping only one or two fish.
    • Your aquarium has very little plant cover.
    • You keep large predatory species.

    Why choose the Black Ruby Barb?

    The Black Ruby Barb is one of the most striking barb species available. Mature males develop an intense ruby-red head and body contrasted by velvety black markings, while females display warm golden and bronze tones that create a beautiful contrast within the school.

    Unlike the more boisterous Tiger Barb, Black Ruby Barbs are peaceful and spend their time calmly schooling through planted aquariums. Their colours intensify dramatically when they feel secure, especially over dark substrates with plenty of plants and subdued lighting.

    Hardy, active and easy to care for, they're an excellent choice for aquarists looking to add rich colour without sacrificing community compatibility.

    Common mistakes

    • Keeping too few individuals.
    • Housing them with aggressive tank mates.
    • Providing little plant cover.
    • Using very bright lighting without shaded areas.
    • Neglecting regular water changes.

    Care made simple

    • Temperature: 22–27°C
    • pH: 6.0–7.5
    • Diet: Premium flakes, quality pellets, frozen foods and live foods
    • Water: Clean, stable and well-filtered
    • Setup: Planted aquarium with driftwood, shaded areas, open swimming space and dark substrate to maximise colour

    Pairs perfectly with

    • Cherry Barbs
    • Harlequin Rasboras
    • Honey Gouramis
    • Corydoras
    • Dwarf Rainbowfish
    NTA Insight:
    Black Ruby Barbs are one of the most underrated community fish available. Newly imported or juvenile fish often appear fairly plain, but mature males develop breathtaking ruby-red colouration that's every bit as impressive as many far more expensive species. Keep them in a well-planted aquarium with a varied diet and you'll see why they're considered one of Sri Lanka's finest native aquarium fish.

    FAQ

    How many Black Ruby Barbs should I keep?

    They are schooling fish and should be kept in groups of at least six. Schools of 8–10 or more encourage natural behaviour, reduce stress and produce the best colours.

    Are Black Ruby Barbs aggressive?

    No. They are one of the most peaceful barb species and make excellent community fish when housed with similarly peaceful tank mates.

    Can they live with shrimp?

    Adult shrimp are generally safe, although tiny shrimplets may occasionally be eaten. Dense mosses and heavily planted areas provide excellent shelter for young shrimp.

    Can Black Ruby Barbs breed in home aquariums?

    Yes. They are egg scatterers and can be bred in dedicated breeding aquariums with fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. Removing the adults after spawning greatly improves fry survival.

    Why aren't my Black Ruby Barbs bright red?

    Only mature males develop the famous ruby-red breeding colours. Clean water, a varied diet, subdued lighting, dark substrate and a proper school will help bring out their full colour potential.

    Live Arrival & Ordering FAQ

    Why do livestock prices sometimes change?

    Unlike manufactured products, fish and shrimp continue to grow and develop over time. Their value changes as they increase in size, develop colour, or become breeding pairs.

    Our prices are based on the current size, quality and availability of each specimen. While pricing often remains stable for around 3–4 months, it may be updated at any time to reflect these changes.

    We always aim to offer healthy, high-quality livestock at fair and competitive prices.

    Do you offer a live arrival guarantee?

    Yes. All livestock is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.

    In the rare event of DOA, please contact us promptly with clear photos of the livestock in the original unopened bag.

    Please review our full DOA and store policies before purchase.

    Can you ship to all states in Australia?

    No. Due to state restrictions, we cannot ship livestock or live plants to WA and TAS.

    What should I check before ordering?

    Before placing an order, make sure:

    • Your tank is fully cycled and stable
    • Your aquarium has enough space for the species
    • Your current livestock are compatible in temperament, size, and requirements
    • Your water parameters, habitat, and temperature suit the species
    • You are not adding too many fish at once
    What should I expect when my fish arrives?

    It is normal for fish, shrimp, or snails to look pale, stressed, or less active after shipping.

    This is temporary. Most livestock will settle and regain colour within a few days.

    How long does it take for fish to settle in?

    Most livestock will take 3–7 days to fully adjust to their new environment.

    Should I feed my fish immediately after arrival?

    No. We recommend waiting 24 hours before feeding to allow them to settle.

    If you already have fish in your tank, feeding them before introducing new arrivals can help reduce stress.

    Why do fish sometimes struggle after being added to a tank?

    In most cases, issues are caused by tank conditions, not shipping.

    • Uncycled or unstable tanks
    • Poor water parameters
    • Overstocking
    • Unsuitable tank mates
    What is Nano Tanks Australia’s main tip for new livestock?

    Most livestock losses happen in immature or unstable tanks, not during shipping.

    If your setup is not fully established, the risk to new arrivals is significantly higher.

    Not sure if this fish is right for your setup?

    If you are unsure whether this species suits your setup, contact us before ordering and we’ll help point you in the right direction.

    Recently viewed products

      © 2026 Nano Tanks Australia, Powered by Shopify

        • American Express
        • Apple Pay
        • Google Pay
        • Mastercard
        • PayPal
        • Shop Pay
        • Visa

        Login

        Forgot your password?

        Don't have an account yet?
        Create account

        GROUP FISH DISCOUNTS
        • Quantity exceeds stock. Available quantity may still be added to cart.