Black Ruby Barb Colour

[Luke SWA]

I have 5 black ruby barbs and when do they change colour with age? I know they change colour when they breed ? But how long does it take
I have a video on youtube search luke19695 you cant really see the fish just the tank i feed them well but only 2 have a bit of ruby on their face and their body has black stripes and a silvery yellowish body
Thanks

 

[fluttermoth]

Probably between nine months and a year. Do remember thst it's only the males that change colour; the females stay silvery with the black stripes.

 

[Hermithall]

Only breeding males will fully colour up unfortunately.

 

[fishprotector]

As has already been said, the males (only) change colour when they are sexually mature. It is great to see them dancing around the tank together in spirals. I have got a large shoal of them and to be honest, the males and females look like different species of Barbs. I love the contrast between the two though. I am going to try breeding them soon, as got at least 8 deep black and maroon coloured males and a few largish females.

 

[Luke SWA]

Thanks guys ive been feeding them freeze dried brine shrimp and 1 barb just goes a deep maroon and his fins all black and his body slightly going black it looks nice

 

[fishprotector]