Puntius Nigrofasciatus, also known as Barbus Nigrofasciatus, is commonly called a Black Ruby Barb. This fish is from southern Sri Lanka, and attains a maximum size of about 1.5 inches in length.  It is found in slow running waters, and prefers water temperatures of between 77 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit.  My experience is that this fish will eat anything it is offered, including dried food, bloodworms, and brine shrimp.  I was worried that this fish, being a cousin to the tiger barb (Barbus tetrazona tetrazona) , might tend to nip its tank mate's fins.  ("Nippiness" is common in  Tiger Barbs.)  However, I have never observed this behavior in the Black Ruby Barbs.  These are perfect planted tank fish, in my opinion.  They are well behaved and very ornamental.  They swim at all levels of the tank, and are not shy. The females do not get the purplish coloration, but are are still attractive and important to have if you wish the males to achieve their full color.  This fish should be kept in a group of at least six specimens.

September 2003: My Black Ruby Barb's had babies!  One of these babies looks as though he will survive.  He is approximately 1/4 inch (.5 cm) in length-- probably too big to be devoured.