{"product_id":"black-ruby-barb","title":"Black Ruby Barb – Pethia nigrofasciata","description":"\u003cp class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003ePethia nigrofasciata\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Black Ruby Barb\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Black Ruby Barb is a striking freshwater schooling fish known for the \u003cstrong\u003edramatic transformation mature males undergo as they develop deep ruby-red coloration across the head and body with rich black markings\u003c\/strong\u003e. Females and juveniles typically display a lighter golden-silver body with distinct vertical bands, making mature males especially impressive when kept in a healthy, established group.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative to \u003cstrong\u003eSri Lanka\u003c\/strong\u003e, Black Ruby Barbs naturally occur in shaded freshwater environments associated with forested streams. They are active, social fish that make an excellent addition to planted and appropriately sized community aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Easy–Moderate\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peaceful \/ Active\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 2.5–3 inches\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 20 gallons\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 68–79°F\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 6.0–7.5\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Omnivore\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRecommended Group Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6 or more\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRecommended Setup:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provide a well-filtered aquarium with plenty of open swimming room along with live plants, driftwood, rocks, and shaded areas. A planted setup with darker substrate can create an especially attractive display and provide strong contrast against the coloration of mature males.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFeed a varied diet of high-quality flakes, small pellets, and other appropriately sized prepared foods. Their diet should include vegetable matter along with supplemental frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp and daphnia.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBehavior \u0026amp; Tankmates:\u003c\/strong\u003e Black Ruby Barbs are generally peaceful schooling fish and are typically less troublesome than some of the more notorious fin-nipping barb species. They are best maintained in a \u003cstrong\u003egroup of at least 6\u003c\/strong\u003e, which encourages natural social behavior and allows males to display their coloration and interact with one another.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuitable tankmates include similarly sized peaceful-to-active community fish with compatible water requirements. As with any active schooling species, adequate swimming space and an appropriately sized group are important.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMale vs. Female:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mature males typically develop the species' characteristic \u003cstrong\u003eruby-red head and darkened body\u003c\/strong\u003e, particularly when displaying or in breeding condition. Females generally remain lighter and retain more visible vertical markings. Juveniles may look considerably different from fully mature adults.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease Note:\u003c\/strong\u003e Coloration, markings, size, maturity, and sex naturally vary between individual fish. Younger specimens may not yet display the dramatic black and ruby coloration seen in mature males. The fish you receive may differ from the individual pictured.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailable Quantities:\u003c\/strong\u003e Individual fish and discounted group options are available. For their long-term well-being and natural social behavior, we recommend keeping Black Ruby Barbs in a \u003cstrong\u003egroup of 6 or more\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll livestock from Felipe’s Fish is carefully selected and prepared for safe transport. Please review our shipping and Live Arrival Guarantee policies before ordering.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Felipe's Fish","offers":[{"title":"1 Fish","offer_id":52548484268312,"sku":null,"price":8.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"3 Fish","offer_id":52548484301080,"sku":null,"price":25.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"6 Fish","offer_id":52548484333848,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0966\/9830\/2744\/files\/blackruby2.png?v=1787257661","url":"https:\/\/felipesfish.com\/products\/black-ruby-barb","provider":"Felipe's Fish","version":"1.0","type":"link"}