BLACK RUBY BARB (Pethia nigrofasciata) FOR SALE IN CANADA
Black Ruby Barb (Pethia nigrofasciata) for Sale in Canada
The Black Ruby Barb (Pethia nigrofasciata) is a beautiful freshwater schooling fish admired for its dramatic dark body, ruby-red coloration, and peaceful personality. Native to Sri Lanka, this species is one of the most attractive smaller barbs for planted community aquariums.
Mature males can develop an intense ruby-red coloration, particularly when displaying or in breeding condition. Their dark vertical markings provide a striking contrast against the red tones, creating an elegant appearance that changes with mood, age, and aquarium conditions.
Black Ruby Barbs are active without being excessively boisterous, making them a versatile choice for a peaceful community aquarium. They look particularly impressive when maintained in a proper group among dense aquatic plants and natural décor.
Monster Aquarium Canada offers Black Ruby Barb (Pethia nigrofasciata) for Canadian aquarium hobbyists with professional live fish shipping throughout Canada.
Why Choose Black Ruby Barb?
A Striking Ruby-Coloured Schooling Fish
Black Ruby Barbs are prized for their:
Unique Features
Premium Characteristics
- Deep ruby-red coloration in mature males
- Dark vertical body markings
- Attractive compact body shape
- Peaceful temperament
- Social schooling behaviour
- Excellent planted aquarium fish
- Hardy when properly maintained
- Beautiful natural coloration
The colour contrast between the dark body markings and ruby-red tones makes this barb especially attractive under natural aquarium lighting.
Aquarium Size
A 20-gallon aquarium can accommodate a small group of Black Ruby Barbs, while a 30-gallon or larger aquarium is recommended for a larger group or community setup.
Recommended Aquarium Setup
- Mature biological filtration
- Gentle to moderate water movement
- Good oxygenation
- Live aquatic plants
- Driftwood
- Smooth stones
- Shaded areas
- Open swimming space
- Secure aquarium lid
Dense planting provides security while open areas allow the school to move naturally.
Water Parameters
- Scientific Name: Pethia nigrofasciata
- Common Name: Black Ruby Barb
- Adult Size: Approximately 2–2.5 inches (5–6 cm)
- Temperature: 22–27°C (72–81°F)
- pH: 6.0–7.5
- GH: 5–15 dGH
- KH: 2–10 dKH
- Care Level: Easy to Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet: Omnivore
- Swimming Level: Middle level
- Lifespan: Approximately 4–6 years with proper care
Feeding Your Black Ruby Barb
Black Ruby Barbs are omnivores and readily accept a variety of aquarium foods.
Recommended Foods
- Premium tropical pellets
- Small granules
- Quality flakes
- Frozen bloodworms
- Frozen brine shrimp
- Daphnia
- Cyclops
- Baby brine shrimp
- Spirulina-based foods
- Finely chopped vegetables
A varied diet supports healthy growth and helps maintain vibrant natural coloration.
Ideal Planted Aquarium
Black Ruby Barbs are excellent candidates for planted aquariums.
Recommended Plants
- Java Fern
- Anubias
- Cryptocoryne
- Java Moss
- Bucephalandra
- Vallisneria
- Water Sprite
- Amazon Sword
- Floating plants
Dense vegetation around the sides and rear creates a secure environment while maintaining open swimming areas.
Dark substrate and natural wood can provide excellent contrast for their ruby-red coloration.
Compatible Tank Mates
Black Ruby Barbs are peaceful community fish when housed with compatible species.
Suitable Tank Mates
- Cherry Barbs
- Gold Barbs
- Rosy Barbs
- Harlequin Rasboras
- Ember Tetras
- Neon Tetras
- Zebra Danios
- Corydoras
- Otocinclus
- Small peaceful Gouramis
- Small peaceful Loaches
Avoid:
- Large predatory fish
- Highly aggressive cichlids
- Large fin-nipping species
- Extremely boisterous fish
- Fish that require dramatically different water conditions
Schooling Behaviour
Black Ruby Barbs are social fish and should be maintained in groups.
Recommended Group Size
Keep 6 or more, with larger groups generally providing more natural behaviour.
A proper group encourages:
- Greater confidence
- Reduced stress
- Natural social interactions
- More active exploration
- Better colour displays
Males may display to one another, particularly when establishing social hierarchy or during breeding periods.
Male and Female Black Ruby Barbs
Sexual differences become increasingly visible as the fish mature.
Males
- More intense ruby-red coloration
- Often slimmer-bodied
- Stronger colour during breeding
- More noticeable display behaviour
Females
- Generally fuller-bodied
- More subdued coloration
- Rounder abdomen
- Less intense red tones
A mixed group provides a more natural social environment.
Supporting Ruby-Red Coloration
The spectacular colour of mature Black Ruby Barb males depends on genetics, health, diet, social environment, and aquarium conditions.
Colour-Care Tips
- Provide a varied nutritious diet
- Maintain excellent water quality
- Keep an appropriate group
- Provide dense aquatic plants
- Avoid overcrowding
- Minimize stress
- Use suitable aquarium lighting
Healthy males can develop exceptionally deep red and ruby tones.
Breeding Black Ruby Barbs
Black Ruby Barbs are egg-scattering fish and can breed in suitable aquarium conditions.
Breeding Tips
- Condition adults with live and frozen foods
- Provide fine-leaved plants or spawning mops
- Maintain stable water parameters
- Use a separate breeding aquarium when necessary
- Remove adults after spawning
- Protect eggs from being eaten
- Feed fry appropriately sized foods
Adults do not provide parental care.
Raising Fry
Fry can initially be fed very small foods such as infusoria before progressing to larger foods like newly hatched brine shrimp as they grow.
Why Buy Black Ruby Barb from Monster Aquarium Canada?
Premium Healthy Aquarium Fish
Monster Aquarium Canada carefully selects Black Ruby Barbs for:
- Healthy body condition
- Active swimming
- Strong feeding response
- Attractive natural coloration
- Premium aquarium quality
Professional Live Fish Shipping Across Canada
Live fish are professionally packaged to help provide safe transportation throughout Canada.
Canadian Aquarium Fish Supplier
Monster Aquarium Canada specializes in freshwater fish, rare tropical fish, monster fish, freshwater shrimp, crayfish, aquatic snails, aquarium plants, fish foods, medications, and aquarium supplies for Canadian aquarists.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How large does a Black Ruby Barb grow?
Black Ruby Barbs generally reach approximately 2–2.5 inches (5–6 cm) as adults.
2. Are Black Ruby Barbs peaceful?
Yes. They are generally peaceful and work well in community aquariums with compatible tank mates.
3. How many Black Ruby Barbs should I keep?
A group of 6 or more is recommended for natural social behaviour.
4. Do Black Ruby Barbs turn red?
Mature males can develop intense ruby-red coloration, especially when healthy, mature, and in breeding condition.
5. Does Monster Aquarium Canada ship Black Ruby Barbs across Canada?
Yes. Monster Aquarium Canada provides professional live fish shipping throughout Canada to help ensure your Black Ruby Barbs arrive healthy and ready for their new aquarium.




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