Black Ruby Barb

Descrição

Puntius nigrofasciatus, commonly known as the Black Ruby Barb, is a small, active, and schooling freshwater fish belonging to the family Cyprinidae. It is highly prized in the aquarium trade for its striking coloration, particularly in breeding males. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with males developing intense ruby-red to purplish-black hues during spawning, while females retain a more subdued, yellowish-brown coloration.

Características físicas

Formato do corpo

compressed

Coloração

Males in breeding condition display a vibrant ruby-red to purplish-black body with three prominent, vertical black bands. The head often takes on a deep purple hue. Females are generally yellowish-brown to golden with less intense black bands. Juveniles resemble females but with more pronounced black bands. Fins are typically reddish or dusky.

Tipo de escama

cycloid

Posição da boca

terminal

Características distintivas

Three distinct vertical black bands on the body, even in juveniles and females., Intense ruby-red to purplish-black coloration in breeding males., Absence of barbels, a distinguishing feature from some other Puntius species.

Nadadeira dorsal

Single, short-based dorsal fin, typically with 3-4 unbranched and 8 branched rays. Often reddish or dusky.

Nadadeira caudal

Forked caudal fin, reddish or dusky.

Nadadeira peitoral

Paired pectoral fins, hyaline to reddish.

Nadadeiras características

All fins are generally unornamented except for a reddish or dusky tint, especially in males.

Dicas de identificação

Habitat

Tipo de água

freshwater

Profundidade

Typically found in shallow to moderately deep sections of streams and rivers.

Ambiente

Native to clear, slow-moving to moderately flowing streams and rivers with sandy or gravelly substrates, often with dense vegetation and leaf litter. They prefer shaded areas.

Distribuição geográfica

Endemic to Sri Lanka, specifically found in the Kelani and Kalu river basins, and the upper reaches of the Gin River basin in the southwestern wet zone of the island.

Informações sobre aquário

• Nível de cuidado: intermediate
• Temperamento: peaceful
• Alimentação: omnivore
• Tamanho mínimo do aquário: 75 liters (20 gallons)
• Temperatura: 22-26 °C (72-79 °F)
• Nível de pH: 6.0-7.0
• Dureza da água: 5-12 dGH
• Compatibilidade: Excellent for community aquariums with other peaceful, similarly sized fish. Avoid keeping with very shy or slow-moving fish, as their active nature might stress them. Best kept in groups of 6 or more to reduce nipping behavior and encourage natural schooling.
• Requisitos especiais: Requires a well-planted aquarium with open swimming spaces. Substrate should be fine gravel or sand. Provide driftwood and rocks for hiding spots. Good filtration and regular water changes are essential. Lighting should not be excessively bright. A dark substrate can help enhance their coloration.

Informações no ambiente natural

• Estado de conservação: vulnerable
• Sazonalidade: Breeding activity in the wild is often linked to the monsoon season, with increased rainfall and water flow stimulating spawning.
• Preço de mercado: Low to moderate for individual fish, higher for breeding pairs or large groups.
• Importância comercial: medium
• Sabor: Not typically consumed due to small size and bony nature.
• Textura: Not applicable for culinary purposes.
• Valor nutricional: Not applicable for culinary purposes.

Fatos principais

Espécies similares

Classificação científica

Reino

Animalia

Filo

Chordata

Classe

Actinopterygii

Ordem

Cypriniformes

Família

Cyprinidae

Gênero

Puntius

Espécie

Puntius nigrofasciatus

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