{"product_id":"black-ruby-barb","title":"Black Ruby Barb","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBlack Ruby Barb\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, also known as the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRuby Barb\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, 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 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlack Ruby Barbs\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e one of the most eye-catching schooling fish for planted and community tanks.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNative to the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eclear, slow-moving streams of Sri Lanka\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBlack Ruby Barb \u003cem\u003e(Pethia nigrofasciata)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 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 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlack Ruby Barb\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThese 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 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ecommunity tanks\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003efull-grown Black Ruby Barb\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e typically reaches \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e2.5–3 inches (6–7.5 cm)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e in length. Males develop a striking ruby-red body with bold black patches, while females remain lighter with golden undertones and subtle striping.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlack Ruby Barbs\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e are \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003epeaceful, active schooling fish\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e that thrive in groups of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e6–10 or more\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. They rarely nip fins when housed correctly and show constant, playful movement throughout the aquarium. Ideal \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlack Ruby Barb tank mates\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e include Cherry Barbs \u0026amp; 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 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlack Ruby Barb tank\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e features live plants, driftwood, soft lighting, and open swimming space.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAt 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM THIS FISH:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDramatic red-and-black color transformation in males\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePeaceful schooling fish are ideal for community tanks\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGrows up to 3 inches, which is perfect for planted aquariums\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHardy and beginner-friendly species\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAdds nonstop motion and color to freshwater setups\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRECOMMENDED TANK PARAMETERS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003eMinimum 20–30 gallons\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 72°–79°F (22°–26°C)\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 6.0–7.5\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e3–12 dGH\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFiltration:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003eGentle to moderate flow with clean, well-oxygenated water\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBlack Ruby Barbs Care Guidelines\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank Setup:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003eProvide live plants, subdued lighting, driftwood, and open space for schooling. A planted background enhances their red and black coloration.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBehavior:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003ePeaceful, social, and active. Best kept in groups of 6–10+ for natural schooling and to reduce stress.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBlack Ruby Barb Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre Black Ruby Barbs fin nippers?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlack Ruby Barbs can show \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003emild fin-nipping behavior\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, but this usually happens only when they are kept in too small of a group. When kept in proper schools of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e6–10 Black Ruby Barbs\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, they direct their energy toward schooling instead of picking on tankmates. In a well-stocked, active community aquarium, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlack Ruby Barbs are peaceful and rarely nip fins\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, making them suitable for many mid-sized community fish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow big do Black Ruby Barbs get?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003efull-grown Black Ruby Barb\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e reaches about \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e2.5–3 inches (6–7.5 cm)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow many Black Ruby Barbs should I keep together?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlack Ruby Barbs are \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003etrue schooling fish\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and should always be kept in groups of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eat least 6\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, though \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e8–10+\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n  \"mainEntity\": [{\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"Are Black Ruby Barbs fin nippers?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"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.\"\n    }\n  },{\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"How big do Black Ruby Barbs get?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"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.\"\n    }\n  },{\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"How many Black Ruby Barbs should I keep together?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"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.\"\n    }\n  }]\n}\n\u003c\/script\u003e","brand":"Splashy Fish","offers":[{"title":"M","offer_id":67869416423533,"sku":"eox1793047511616","price":4.79,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0711\/6600\/1261\/files\/black-ruby-barb_1.jpg?v=1793047521","url":"https:\/\/pureformfit.shop\/products\/black-ruby-barb","provider":"My Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}