Scientific Name: Puntius Nigrofasciatus
Family: Cyprinidae
The Ruby Barb (Bulath Hapaya) originates from Sri Lanka, where they were once plentiful in the forest streams in the upper elevations of the Kelani and Niwala rivers. It inhabits densely grown and fairly slowly flowing hilly streams at an elevation of approximately 300 meters (1000 feet). These regions are tropical but the shaded streams are comparatively cold 20–26 °C. The water stays in the lower part of the temperature range during the winter and increases during the summer and the water is acidic (pH 6.0 - 6.5). A high backed, deep bodied fish that lacks barbels. Coloring is normally subdued, with a pinkish grey body crossed with three to four, faint black bars. The back is usually dark copper brown. In females, the bases of the fins are predominantly black, and in males the whole dorsal fins is black. In breeding condition the males glow with an intense purplish red coloring, and the blackish areas become deep velvety black. A group of males kept together seem to compete for the females' attention by remaining in breeding coloration for most of the time. At maturity, Black Ruby Barbs will reach a maximum size of two to three inches. Males are easily distinguished from females by their larger size and brighter colors. Male Black Ruby Barbs also have dark-tipped ventral fins. The females have clear ventral fins.
