Black Ruby Barb (Pethia nigrofasciata)

Black Ruby Barb Pethia nigrofasciata
Name	Black Ruby Barb
Name Lat.	Pethia nigrofasciata
Synonym	Puntius nigrofasciatus
Family	Carps
Family lat.	Cyprinidae
Order	Carps
Order lat.	Cypriniformes
Origin	Sri Lanka
Habitat	Forest streams
Diet	Omnivore
pH	6.0-7.5
Behavior	Peaceful
Keeping	Group
Care Level	Easy
Reproduction	Egg scatterer
Breeding	Moderately difficult
Life Span	3-5 years
Protection	No
Metric Units
Size	5-6 cm
Temperature	22-26 °C
Hardness	2-15 °dH
Aquarium	100 l
US Units
Size	2"-2.4"
Temperature	72-79 °F
Hardness	36-267 ppm
Aquarium	25 gal

Distribution and habitat

Purplehead barbs occur exclusively (endemically) in the Nilwala River basin in southwestern Sri Lanka. They live mostly in the shallow margins and stillwaters of tributaries and forest streams with roots, sandy bottoms and dense riparian vegetation.

Maintenance

The aquarium should have a dense border planting, with hiding and retreat possibilities (roots, stones) and offer sufficient swimming space. With slightly shaded light (floating plants) and a dark substrate covered with some foliage (e.g. sea almond leaves) they show the most beautiful coloration.

No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.

Diet

In nature they feed on worms, small crustaceans, algae and detritus. The food offer consists of live food, which is accepted without problems also in frozen form, supplemented with frozen food mixtures. Especially daphnia, artemia and red mosquito larvae must not be missing. In addition, they need regular vegetable food, such as algae leaves, pureed leafy and wild vegetables or dry food (flakes, granules) with high vegetable content (spirulina, kelp)

Only feed as much as is eaten immediately (in 10 minutes or less). A regular and varied diet promotes health and increases resistance.

Behaviour and compatibility

They are lively but peaceful schooling fish that can be socialized very well with other peaceful fish. At least 5, but preferably more Purple Head Barbs should be kept together.

Basically, only compatible fish species with similar requirements for water conditions and water temperature should be socialized.

Sex dimorphism

The males change their coloration strongly during the spawning season and are splendidly red. The females are much smaller and rounder.

Reproduction and breeding

They are free spawners that do not engage in brood care. The male usually swims around (drifts) the female in the early morning, which spawns among fine-feathered plants. The larvae hatch after about 24 hours and swim freely after a week.

Fry must be fed several times a day with special rearing food (Artemia nauplii). In community tanks breeding is hardly possible, because the spawn is easy prey.

Important

The foliage (e.g., sea almond leaves), when decaying, promotes the development of microorganisms that provide a valuable secondary food source

The well-being of the fish should be checked regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels should be checked at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even when contaminant levels have not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.

Further literature can be found in your pet store.

References

Text: Werner Winter; Image: petdata

Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); RIEHL & BAENSCH (2006): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 1, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch

• Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF