Ruby barb
Introduction
The Ruby Barb (Pethia nigrofasciata), also known as the Black Ruby Barb, is a vibrant and hardy freshwater fish cherished by aquarists for its striking coloration and active demeanor. Males exhibit a deep ruby-red hue, especially during breeding seasons, while females display a more subdued, silvery-gold tone. This species is well-suited for both beginner and intermediate fishkeepers due to its adaptability and relatively straightforward care requirements.
Care and Environment
Providing optimal care for the Ruby Barb involves attention to tank size, water parameters, diet, and habitat setup to ensure a healthy and thriving environment.
What is the minimum tank size for a Ruby Barb?
A minimum tank size of 20 liters is recommended for a single Ruby Barb. However, as they are schooling fish, it's best to keep them in groups, necessitating a larger tank.
What are the ideal water parameters for Ruby Barbs?
Ruby Barbs thrive in water temperatures between 22°C to 26°C, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5, and water hardness between 5 to 12 dGH. Maintaining stable water conditions is crucial for their health.
How should I set up the tank for Ruby Barbs?
Incorporate a mix of open swimming spaces and densely planted areas using species like Java fern, Anubias, and Amazon swords. A dark substrate can enhance their coloration, and subdued lighting, possibly achieved with floating plants, will mimic their natural habitat.
Filtration should provide gentle water flow, replicating the slow-moving streams of their native environment. Regular water changes and monitoring of ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels are essential to maintain water quality.
As omnivores, Ruby Barbs accept a variety of foods. A balanced diet includes high-quality flake or pellet foods supplemented with live or frozen options like bloodworms, daphnia, or brine shrimp. Incorporating vegetable matter, such as blanched spinach or zucchini, supports their health and coloration.
Origin and Habitat
Native to the cool, slow-flowing forested streams of Sri Lanka, Ruby Barbs inhabit environments rich in vegetation with sandy or rocky substrates. These shaded waters are typically soft and slightly acidic, providing a serene backdrop that influences their care requirements in captivity.
What type of environment do Ruby Barbs naturally inhabit?
They are found in shaded, slow-moving streams with abundant plant life and soft, slightly acidic water conditions.
How does their natural habitat influence their care in aquariums?
Replicating these conditions in the aquarium, such as providing ample plant cover and maintaining appropriate water parameters, helps ensure their well-being.
Temperament and Compatibility
Ruby Barbs are peaceful, active, and social fish that thrive in groups of six or more. They are less prone to fin-nipping compared to some other barb species, making them suitable for community tanks.
Are Ruby Barbs suitable for community tanks?
Yes, their peaceful nature allows them to coexist with other non-aggressive species of similar size.
What are ideal tank mates for Ruby Barbs?
Compatible companions include tetras, danios, rasboras, and bottom-dwellers like Corydoras catfish. It's advisable to avoid housing them with slow-moving or long-finned fish, such as bettas or angelfish, to prevent potential fin-nipping.
Ensuring a harmonious tank environment involves providing sufficient space and hiding spots to reduce stress and territorial behavior.
Interesting Facts
Ruby Barbs are known for their striking color transformation; males develop a deep ruby-red hue during breeding seasons, enhancing their visual appeal. They are egg-scattering spawners, releasing over 100 eggs among fine-leaved plants, with no parental care provided. This species is also utilized in creating hybrid forms like the "Odessa Barb" for the aquarium trade.
Do Ruby Barbs require specific breeding conditions?
Yes, setting up a separate breeding tank with soft, slightly acidic water and fine-leaved plants can encourage spawning.
How long do Ruby Barbs typically live?
With proper care, Ruby Barbs can live up to 5 to 7 years in captivity.
Sources
All information in this article has been gathered from the following reputable sources:
Overview
Recommended Tank Size 18.5 Gallon (for groups of 6 or more) |
Minimum Group Size 6 |
Minimum Tank Volume 5.3 Gallon |
Maximum Adult Length 2.8 inch |
Average Adult Length 2.4 inch |
Shoaling (6+ required) Yes |
Preferred Water Type Freshwater, soft, slightly acidic |
Temperature Range (°C) 22–26 |
pH Range 6.0–7.5 |
Water Hardness (dGH) 5–12 |
Typical Lifespan (years) 5 years |