Black Ruby Barb
Pethia nigrofasciata
Also sold as Purple-headed barb
Black Ruby Barb (Pethia nigrofasciata) is a peaceful freshwater fish that reaches about 5.5 cm (2.2 in) and swims in open water in a shoal. It wants 68–81°F (20–27°C) and pH 5.5–7.5, is kept in groups of 6 or more, and needs a tank of at least 72 L (19 gal).
At a glance
| Type | Fish |
|---|---|
| Adult size | 5.5 cm (2.2 in) |
| Minimum tank | 72 L (19 gal) |
| Group size | 6 or more |
| Temperature | 68–81°F (20–27°C) |
| pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Lifespan | 3–5 years |
| Eats shrimp | Shrimplets only |
Before it goes in
- Black Ruby Barb needs at least 72 L (19 gal). The smallest size in this library that clears that is the 20 Gallon High.
- Keep 6 or more. Below that it hides, colours down and is far more likely to be picked on.
- Adult shrimp are safe; shrimplets will be eaten, so a shrimp colony will not grow in the same tank.
- It is the wrong size to share a tank with Goldfish, Axolotl and Oscar: it ends up as food.
- It holds at 68–81°F (20–27°C). That shares a window with Betta and Cherry Shrimp, but not with Discus.
- A group of 6 takes up roughly 58% of what a 20 Gallon High will comfortably hold, so plan the rest of the stock around it.
What tank size does it need?
At least 72 L (19 gal). The smallest size here that clears it is the 20 Gallon High.
How many should I keep?
6 or more. Fewer than that and it spends its time hiding instead of out in the open.
Will it eat shrimp?
Adults are safe, shrimplets are not. You can keep shrimp with it; you just will not get a growing colony.
What water does it want?
68–81°F (20–27°C), pH 5.5–7.5.
How long does it live?
3–5 years in a tank that suits it. That is how long you are signing up for.
Good tank mates
- Tank mates from this library that share its temperature window, are peaceful and eat neither it nor its young: Cherry Shrimp, Bristlenose Pleco, Celestial Pearl Danio, Molly and Otocinclus.
- Plants that hold up with it: Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis', Water Sprite, Anubias nana 'Petite' and Cryptocoryne wendtii.
Often compared with
| Black Ruby Barb | Odessa Barb | Rosy Barb | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult size | 5.5 cm | 7 cm | 10 cm |
| Min tank | 72 L | 80 L | 90 L |
| Group | 6+ | 8+ | 8+ |
| Temperature | 68–81°F (20–27°C) | 64–77°F (18–25°C) | 61–75°F (16–24°C) |
| Eats shrimp | Shrimplets only | Yes | Yes |
More livestock
Sources (2) · checked Sep 2026
- What it eatsaquariumstoredepot.com
- fishlaboratory.com