Purple-headed Barb (intense form)
Pethia nigrofasciata
Origin: Endemic to Sri Lanka, occurring in the forested stream systems of the Kelani and Nilwala river basins at elevations around 300 m above sea level. Listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to deforestation and over-collection.
Also known as: Ruby Barb, Purple-headed Barb, Black Barb
Fact sheet
- Size
- 6 cm
- Lifespan
- 5 years
- Minimum tank size
- 60 L
- Temperature
- 20–26 °C
- pH
- 6–7.5
- Hardness GH
- 5–15 °dH
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Social behavior
- Schooling
- Swimming zone
- Middle
- Diet
- Omnivore
- Jumps out
- Yes
- Eats plants
- No
Overview
Trade name applied to individuals with particularly deep purple-violet head coloration during breeding. Not a separate subspecies but the result of selective breeding for intense pigmentation.
Appearance
Shared with the species: Black Ruby Barb
Body medium-sized, reaching 6–7 cm. Females are grayish-cream to olive with three or four dark vertical bars. Adult males in breeding dress develop a vivid ruby-crimson head and chest, a near-black back, and reduced barring. Fins are dark with a reddish tinge in males. Females are noticeably larger and deeper-bodied than males.
Care
Shared with the species: Black Ruby Barb
Aquarium of at least 100 L with an 80 cm footprint. Decorate with dark substrate, dense planting over at least half the floor area, and floating plants for shade. Water parameters: temperature 18–25 °C (optimally 22–24), pH 6.0–6.5 (up to 7.5 acceptable), hardness 5–12 dGH. Keep in groups of at least 6; a 1:2 male-to-female ratio reduces stress on females. Good filtration and weekly 25–30% water changes are essential.
Feeding
Shared with the species: Black Ruby Barb
In nature primarily consumes filamentous algae, detritus, and small invertebrates. In the aquarium it readily accepts quality flake and granule foods with a plant component alongside live and frozen bloodworm, Daphnia, and Artemia. A regular vegetable component (spirulina flake, blanched spinach, sliced cucumber) prevents nibbling of soft-leaved plants.
Compatibility
Shared with the species: Black Ruby Barb
Among the most peaceful barbs. Coexists well with rasboras, danios, tetras, corydoras, loaches, and dwarf cichlids. Fin-nipping tendency is minimal. Its preference for cooler water makes it an excellent candidate for a temperate aquarium alongside zebra danios, white cloud mountain minnows, and other cool-water species.
Breeding
Shared with the species: Black Ruby Barb
An egg-scatterer that breeds readily in the aquarium. Condition breeders separately on live foods and raise temperature to 26–27 °C to trigger spawning. Use a breeding tank with fine-leaved plants or egg-protection matting; water should be soft and acidic. The female scatters 100–300 eggs onto vegetation. Remove parents after spawning. Incubation ~24 h; fry become free-swimming 3–4 days later. Start with infusoria, progressing to Artemia nauplii.
Fun facts
Shared with the species: Black Ruby Barb
The male's brilliant ruby coloration appears only during spawning and rivalry with other males — in isolation or in female-dominant groups the fish looks considerably plainer. Wild populations in Sri Lanka are classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN due to habitat loss from deforestation and pressure from the ornamental fish trade. This species is reportedly used as a parent stock in commercial hybridization programs to produce 'Odessa barb' variants for the mass aquarium market.