Black ruby barb (Pethia nigrofasciata) courtship coloration: stream shade and pH parameters?
What dissolved oxygen levels and forest canopy shade structures maintain the brilliant crimson and velvet-black breeding colors of endemic Black Ruby Barbs in Sinharaja?
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3 Answers from travellers
The Black Ruby Barb (Pethia nigrofasciata / Bulath Hapaya) is an endangered point-endemic cyprinid inhabiting slow-flowing, clear forest streams across the wet zone. Dominant males develop radiant crimson-red heads and velvety jet-black vertical body bars during morning courtship displays. They require acidic, soft blackwater streams (pH 5.5 to 6.2, water temperatures 22-25°C) shaded by 80% closed rainforest canopy. Humic acids leached from fallen Dipterocarp leaves provide essential tannins; clearing riparian shade trees causes water temperatures to rise, leading to color loss and reproductive failure.
Submerged root tangles of endemic water trumpets (Cryptocoryne) and fine quartz sand gravels provide vital egg-scattering spawning substrates.
Wild collection for the international ornamental aquarium trade is prohibited; legal specimens must originate from registered captive-breeding facilities.
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