Have you ever seen a tiny fish that shines like a precious ruby? Let us introduce you to the Black Ruby Barb, its scientific name is Pethia nigrofasciatus, also famously known as the bulath hapaya in Sinhala is a beautiful and lively fish that is special to us and us alone.
Where does the black ruby barb live?
The black ruby barb is endemic to Sri Lanka, which means it only lives naturally in the rivers and streams of Sri Lanka. It prefers clean, fresh water with lots of plants and cool places to hide. You can find these fish swimming happily in small groups in shady spots of the streams of Wet Zone rainforests and surrounding areas between the Kelani and Nilawala rivers as they prefer streams with shade and clear water. Because it lives only in Sri Lanka, the black ruby barb is an important part of our country’s natural treasures.
What does the black ruby barb look like?
This little fish is about 5 to 6 centimetres long—about the size of your pinky finger. What makes it really special is its bright red or ruby-coloured body. The male black ruby barb shines with deep red colours, especially during breeding times, while the female is usually a bit paler with silver or shades of grey.
Its fins are mostly black, which makes the red body stand out even more—like a shining jewel swimming in the water.
What does it eat?
In the wild, black ruby barbs eat tiny insects, larvae, and bits of plants. They are not very picky and enjoy a variety of food. If you keep them as pets, they like fish flakes, pellets, and sometimes small live foods like tiny worms or baby shrimp.
How does the black ruby barb behave?
These fish are very friendly and active swimmers. They love to stay in schools and swim together in groups. This makes them feel safe and happy, and it’s fun to watch the whole group flash like little red rubies in the water. They are curious too. If you put food in their tank, they will swim right up to check it out. Because they are peaceful, they get along well with other fish, especially their kind, making them a great choice for community tanks.
Why is the black ruby barb special?
The black ruby barb is special because it is only found in our rivers. That means if we don’t protect their homes—the clean rivers and streams—they might disappear forever. Because of this we must always remember to care for nature and keep their natural homes safe.
Why we should protect them ?
The black ruby barb is a shining symbol of Sri Lanka’s natural beauty. By protecting our rivers and forests, we help this sparkling fish continue to swim in our waters for generations to come.
So next time you visit a river or aquarium, remember the black ruby barb—the little ruby fish that belongs only to us!
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Fun facts about the black ruby barb
• The name “black ruby” comes from its deep red colour and its black fins.
• Male fish get even redder when they want to attract females.
• They belong to a family called “barbs,” which includes many colourful fish.
