CheckMyFishTankBlack Ruby Barb care
Pethia nigrofasciata · Freshwater · Beginner level care
A peaceful barb whose males turn deep red when courting.
Feeding
Twice a day. A small pinch they finish in about 2 minutes, a little more for bigger fish. Flakes, small pellets, frozen foods.
Good tank mates
Fish that pass every check with Black Ruby Barb in a 40 gallon tank: same water, overlapping temperature, nobody gets eaten and no bullies.
Do not mix with
- Tinfoil Barb: Tinfoil Barb grows big enough to eat Black Ruby Barb.
- German Blue Ram: German Blue Ram and Black Ruby Barb need different water temperatures.
- Discus: Discus and Black Ruby Barb need different water temperatures.
- Convict Cichlid: Convict Cichlid is aggressive and will bully peaceful Black Ruby Barb.
- Oscar: Oscar grows big enough to eat Black Ruby Barb.
- Jack Dempsey: Jack Dempsey grows big enough to eat Black Ruby Barb.
- Severum: Severum grows big enough to eat Black Ruby Barb.
- Green Terror: Green Terror grows big enough to eat Black Ruby Barb.
Questions
What size tank does a Black Ruby Barb need?
At least 20 gallons for a group of 6. Adults grow to about 2.5 inches, so plan for the adult size, not the size at the store.
What temperature does a Black Ruby Barb like?
72 to 79 degrees Fahrenheit, with a pH of about 6 to 7.5. A steady temperature matters more than hitting one exact number.
How many Black Ruby Barb should I keep together?
Keep 6 or more. They feel safe in a group and show better color and behavior.
What do Black Ruby Barb eat?
Flakes, small pellets, frozen foods. Feed twice a day: a small pinch they finish in about 2 minutes, a little more for bigger fish.
Sources
Checked against these sources on 2026-11-10. When sources disagree we use the safer number.