Black Barb (Pethia nigrofasciata)

The Black Barb (Pethia nigrofasciata) could be the ideal addition to your aquarium if you’re looking to give it a pop of color and personality. This little fish is a favorite of both beginning and seasoned aquarists due to its eye-catching, vibrant behavior and bold, dark stripes. The Black Barb, which is indigenous to the waters of India and Sri Lanka, adds a hint of exotica to any tank.

In addition to their attractive appearance, black barbs have an energetic, colorful personality that will add life to your aquarium. It’s best to keep them in groups of six or more because they thrive in schools. Observing their jovial antics and interactions can be entertaining. They’re also very low maintenance, which makes them an excellent option for beginners to fishkeeping.

Although they can adapt to many tank conditions, Black Barbs thrive in well-planted aquariums with plenty of open swimming space. They favor a pH range that is similar to their natural habitat, from slightly acidic to neutral. They can be kept healthy and lively with a balanced diet and routine tank maintenance.

Black barbs are a great addition to your aquarium because of their eye-catching look and interesting behavior. With their charm and vibrancy, these fish will dazzle whether you’re setting up a brand-new tank or looking to liven up an old one.

The striking and energetic Black Barb (Pethia nigrofasciata) fish is ideal for bringing some color and movement to your aquarium. This species, which adds an interesting, interactive element to your aquatic setup, not only improves the visual appeal of any tank but is also known for its bold black stripes and lively nature. The Black Barb is a fantastic option for both beginning and seasoned fish keepers wishing to create a lively and dynamic aquatic environment because it is low maintenance and can adapt to a variety of water conditions.

Habitat and Range

Lives in the southern, forested water bodies of Sri Lanka, restricted by the basins of the Kelani and Nilwala rivers in the southwest "wet zone" of the island.

The region known as the "wet zone" in southwest Sri Lanka receives 2000–3000 mm of rain per year, the majority of which falls between March and August during the southwest monsoon.

This is a tropical climate with relatively consistent air temperatures year-round, ranging from 25 to 27 °C. There are no notable dry spells or climatic variations.

Lowland tropical forests can flourish under such circumstances below 1000 meters above sea level.

Due to their humid, warm climate, extended geographic isolation, and remarkable localized biodiversity, these forests, which are unique to Sri Lanka, are home to a sizable portion of the nation’s endemic flora and fauna.

The reserve is crossed by small, undisturbed streams with clear or slightly colored water, which are typical habitats for P. nigrofasciata throughout its range.

Because of the thick vegetation’s ability to block out even weak sunlight, the aquatic habitat is constantly shaded, the water can be relatively cool, the EC and hardness are typically low, and the pH is slightly acidic.

Such streams typically have a sandy bottom, sometimes with stones, that is covered in a layer of twigs and fallen leaves.

Since it is currently illegal to export wild specimens from Sri Lanka, all fish used in aquarium trades have to be theoretically produced through commercial breeding, though it appears that wild fish are still being collected. Brighter fish are getting harder to find, according to reports, and it’s possible that selective harvesting for the aquarium trade has altered the makeup of wild populations.

Description

Compared to other barbuses, the body is higher. The body of these barbuses is high and firmly compressed from the sides. There are four visible transverse black stripes on the sides, and the overall color is pinkish-gray. Similar to the Sumatran barbus, the first one goes through the eyes and the second one goes behind the thoracic fin. The fourth strip is located behind the anal fin, and the third one extends roughly from the middle of the spinal fin. Black anal, abdominal, and back fins; transparent elsewhere.

A breeding form exists that only has a red head; the body, fins, and veil shape are all black.

Size:

The length of the male and female in the aquarium is slightly less than 50 and 55 mm, respectively, while in the wild they can reach up to 60 and 67 mm, respectively.

Behavior and compatibility

They are inferior to Sumatran Zadirists. They can still pinch the fins with a veil and slow views, though. It is preferable to keep them in an aquarium with other calm and proportionate neighbors in a school of six to ten fish, as this will help the fish become less fearful.

The lower and middle water levels are home to these barbs.

They can be kept alongside many of the most common aquarium fish, such as tetras, livebearers, rainbowfish, labyrinth fish, catfish, and loaches, as they don’t have any particular needs regarding the water’s chemical composition.

Aquarium

The basic measurements are at least 80 by 30 cm, or the equivalent, with a capacity of 60 liters.

You can add driftwood to the aquarium and grow live plants along the walls to create dense thickets with room for swimming in the center. Dark substrate and bright lighting will draw attention to the fish’s color. Areas that receive shade can be created with floating plants, like pistia. They adore the sun.

Water parameters:

20–27 °C is the temperature. pH range: 5.5–7.5 Hardness: 5–18 ° dH

Although a weekly water change of up to 1/4 of the volume is required, they do not place a high demand on the water’s parameters.

Nutrition

In its natural habitat, it consumes worms, crustaceans, detritus, and phyto- and zooplankton.

Omnivorous; they willfully consume both artificial and living food. They hardly ever come into contact with plants, but they should eat foods that have plant additives on a regular basis.

Sexual Dimorphism

Males are more colorful than females; prior to spawning, the head and chest turn red, and the black stripes blend together to form a coal-black color that covers the remainder of the body. Females have lower bodies and are larger/fuller.

Mature sexual differences emerge between two and three months of age.

Common Name Black Barb
Scientific Name Pethia nigrofasciata
Origin India and Sri Lanka
Size Up to 4 inches (10 cm)
Color Black with vertical stripes
Tank Size Minimum 20 gallons
Water Temperature 75-79°F (24-26°C)
pH Level 6.0-7.5
Diet Omnivorous, eats flakes, pellets, and live food
Behavior Active and schooling fish
Tank Mates Peaceful fish like tetras and rasboras
Care Level Easy to moderate

Pethia nigrofasciata, also known as the Black Barb, is an excellent option for any aquarium enthusiast wishing to give their tank a little more elegance. This fish not only stands out in its aquatic environment but also adds a lively presence with its striking black stripes and vibrant body. It can be used in a range of tank configurations, from community tanks to more specialized aquascapes, thanks to its comparatively small size.

Black barbs are a great choice for novice and seasoned hobbyists alike because they are easy to care for. Although they are resilient fish that can adapt to a variety of water conditions, they do best in well-kept aquariums with lots of hiding places and a small amount of current. Their health and vibrancy can be ensured by regular feeding and water quality monitoring.

Fish that are Black Barbs are gregarious and active by nature. Group housing works best for them and helps to bring out their innate schooling behavior. They are entertaining to watch because of their lively personality and intriguing patterns, which give any aquarium some movement.

Overall, the Black Barb is an excellent option if you want to add a fish that is easy to maintain and gorgeous to your tank. Its distinctive look and captivating nature make it an excellent addition that will undoubtedly make your underwater world more colorful.

Video on the topic

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🐠 Pethia nigrofasciata #black barb #aquarium fish #aquarium fish #black barb

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Olga Vishnevskaya

Biologist by education, aquarist by vocation. Specialization — breeding and care of freshwater aquarium plants. Since childhood I have been fond of aquariums, constantly experimenting with creating biotopes and selecting flora for various types of aquariums. I am sure that green aquariums can transform any interior and improve the quality of life.

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