Black Ruby Barb

The black ruby barb is a species endemic to Sri Lanka. At rest, the fish shows three or four thick black vertical bands on a golden-yellow base. In the breeding season, the head and throat of males turn purple-ruby red and the body becomes almost velvet black; the dorsal fin darkens too. This transformation makes it one of the most interesting small barbs.

It is a calm barb compared to its relatives. Because its natural range is narrow, specimens in the trade are largely captive-bred.

It lives in shaded, clear, slow-flowing streams in the rainforests of southwestern Sri Lanka. The bottom is covered with sand and leaf litter, the water is soft and slightly acidic, and the banks are covered with plants and roots.

• Volume: at least 80 liters and 80 cm in length for a group of 6–10.
• Water: 23–25°C is ideal; slightly acidic, soft to moderately hard water. Keeping the parameters stable is important.
• Decor: densely planted edges, roots and a dark substrate. Dim light and floating plants enhance both colors and boldness.
• Maintenance: a 25% weekly water change; clean, oxygenated water.

Omnivorous. Use flakes and granules as the staple; vary the diet with frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp and daphnia. Plant supplements such as spirulina food and blanched vegetables are also beneficial. Live and frozen foods bring out the males' breeding colors.

Peaceful and active; it spends most of its time in the middle and lower levels among the plants. Males display to each other and engage in short chases; this is harmless. In a very small group it becomes shy and hides.

Good companions: cherry barbs, tetras, rasboras, danios, corydoras, bristlenose plecos, gouramis.

Avoid: large and aggressive fish, very large cichlids; still, be careful with species that have very long, flowing fins (such as bettas).

Keep at least 6, ideally 10 or more. A female-heavy group (1 male : 2 females) keeps the males from wearing out the females. In a large group, males color up more often and behave more boldly.

An egg scatterer that provides no parental care. Spawning usually takes place in the morning over fine-leaved plants or moss. Since the parents eat the eggs, they need to be separated after spawning. Pairs conditioned with soft, slightly acidic water and live food spawn more readily. The eggs hatch in 1–2 days; the fry are fed first infusoria and then baby brine shrimp (Artemia nauplii).

Hardy. White spot and fin rot in poor water are the most common problems. In hard water and high nitrate, the colors fade and the fish hides.

In the breeding season, males are easy to recognize by their purple-red head, darkened body and black dorsal fin. Females are golden-yellow with black bands and plumper; their fins are clear or yellowish.