Black ruby barb (Puntius nigrofasciatus)

Scientific name: Puntius nigrofasciatus G?nther, 1868

The Black ruby barb (Puntius nigrofasciatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows to about 6 cm (2.4 in). It is easy to keep and peaceful, suits community aquariums and needs a tank of at least 115 L (30 US gal), water at 22–26°C (72–79°F) and a pH of 6.0–6.5. Native range: Asia, Restricted to forest streams from the Kelani to Nilwala basins in Sri Lanka. It occurs in hilly areas up to about 1000' in elevation.

Black ruby barb care at a glance

Care level
Easy
Temperament
Peaceful
Community tank
Good
Adult size
6 cm (2.4 in)
Minimum tank
115 L (30 US gal)
Temperature
22–26°C (72–79°F)
pH
6.0–6.5
Hardness
5–12 dGH (89–214 ppm)
Diet
Omnivore. Accepts flakes, sinking pellets and live foods.

Biology

Inhabits clear, cool, shady streams in forested areas, on gravel or sand substrate. Sometimes found in pools of quiet water in the margins of clear streams and rivers. Bred in captivity. Spawns in shallow water among marginal weeds. Eggs (>100) hatch in 1-2 days; fry are free-swimming after 24 h. Feeds mainly on filamentous algae and detritus. Males brightly colored and with darker fins. Popular aquarium fish. Aquarium keeping: in groups of 5 or more individuals; minimum aquarium size 80 cm.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Puntius nigrofasciatus
Family
Cyprinidae (Minnows or carps)
Order
Cypriniformes (Carps)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
6.0
Environment
Freshwater;; pH range: 6.0 - 6.5; dH range: 5 - 12 benthopelagic
Climate
Tropical
Distribution
Asia: restricted to forest streams from the Kelani to Nilwala basins in Sri Lanka. It occurs in hilly areas up to about 300 m elevation. The brightly colored population introduced to Mahaweli at Ginigathena, Sri Lanka are said to have diminished in number due to the aquarium export trade.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Lower Risk: conservation dependent (LR/cd)
Threat to humans
Harmless
Uses
Fisheries: of no interest; aquarium: highly commercial
Resilience
High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

More barbs, danios & rasboras

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Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Aquarium care parameters compiled, checked and converted to metric and imperial units by Guppies.za.net.

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