What size tank do black ruby barbs need?
At least 19 gallons (72 liters) for a group of 6. The smallest standard tank that works is the 20 gallon high. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable. We give the size for an adult fish in a proper group, because the small fish in the shop will grow. Scientific name: Pethia nigrofasciata.
How many black ruby barbs in each tank size?
This is how many each standard tank carries comfortably if black ruby barbs are the only fish in it. Share the tank with other species and the number goes down.
| Tank | How many black ruby barbs |
|---|---|
| 5 gallon | Too small |
| 10 gallon | Too small |
| 20 gallon long | up to 8 |
| 29 gallon | up to 12 |
| 40 gallon breeder | up to 16 |
| 55 gallon | up to 22 |
| 75 gallon | up to 31 |
| 125 gallon | up to 52 |
Check black ruby barbs against your own tank and other fish
Good to know
- Keep at least 6. Alone or in twos and threes, black ruby barbs hide, stop eating well, or pick on each other.
Tank mates for black ruby barbs
These animals like the same water, are a safe size, and have a temper that fits. It is a match on paper: always watch new tankmates for the first week.
- Glowlight danio
- Bandit corydoras
- Zebra danio
- Bronze corydoras
- Clown pleco
- Hillstream loach
- Bloodfin tetra
- Julii corydoras
Poor matches
- Fancy goldfish: Goldfish do best with other fancy goldfish.
- Oscar: Oscar is aggressive and will bully or kill peaceful fish such as black ruby barb.
- Molly: They need different water: Black ruby barb likes a pH of 5.5–7.5, molly likes 7.5–8.5.
Questions and answers
What size tank do black ruby barbs need?
At least 19 gallons (72 liters) for a group of 6. The smallest standard tank that works is the 20 gallon high. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.
How many black ruby barbs should be kept together?
At least 6. Black ruby barbs are social animals and only behave naturally in a group. More is better if the tank has room.
Can black ruby barbs live in a 10 gallon tank?
No. Black ruby barb needs at least 19 gallons (72 liters).
What temperature do black ruby barbs need?
68–81 °F (20–27 °C), with a pH of 5.5–7.5. A heater is only needed if your room gets cold.
Can black ruby barbs live with a betta?
Usually, yes, in a tank of 19 gallons (72 liters) or more. They like the same water: 75–81 °F (24–27 °C). Every betta has its own temper, so watch closely for the first week and have a spare tank ready.
More fish
- Glowlight danio
- Emerald dwarf rasbora
- Phoenix rasbora
- Five-banded barb
- Checker barb
- Moonlight gourami
- All 150 species
Adult size, tank size and water ranges follow the mainstream care consensus (Seriously Fish species profiles and FishBase maximum lengths). Where sources differ we use the more cautious figure. Stocking numbers come from our stocking calculator.