The Odessa Barb (Pethia padamya) is a colorful and active freshwater fish known for its striking red body and black markings. A lively schooling species, it is ideal for community aquariums with similarly sized, peaceful tank mates.
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The Odessa Barb (Pethia padamya) is a colorful and active freshwater fish known for its striking red body and black markings. A lively schooling species, it is ideal for community aquariums with similarly sized, peaceful tank mates.
Slender body with bright red coloration in males and subtle red or silver tones in females. Adults reach up to 2 inches (5 cm). Fins may show black markings, especially in males.
4–6 years with proper care
Omnivorous — feeds on high-quality flakes, pellets, and occasional live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp.
Odessa Barbs are active, colorful, and engaging schooling fish that enhance the energy of community tanks. Maintaining proper group sizes and water conditions ensures health and vibrant coloration.
Moderate — hardy but requires proper schooling to reduce aggression and display full coloration.
20 gallons (for a school of 6+)
6.0 to 7.0
5–12 dGH
74–78°F (23–26°C)
2 inches (5 cm)
Compatible with other peaceful, similarly sized fish such as small barbs, danios, tetras, and rasboras.
Avoid very small or slow-moving fish that could be nipped or stressed by their active behavior.
Pethia padamya
Cyprinidae
Myanmar
Schooling fish. Best kept in groups of 6 or more to reduce aggression and display natural behavior.
Feed 2–3 times daily in small portions. Provide a varied diet of flakes, pellets, and occasional live/frozen foods to maintain vibrant colors and health.
Egg scatterer. Spawns over fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. Adults should be removed after spawning to prevent predation of eggs.
Set up a separate breeding tank with soft, slightly acidic to neutral water (pH 6.0–7.0, temperature 75–78°F / 24–26°C). Provide fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. Eggs hatch in 24 hours; fry become free-swimming in 3–4 days. Feed fry infusoria or baby brine shrimp initially.
pH: 6.0–7.0, Temperature: 74–78°F (23–26°C), Hardness: 5–12 dGH, Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm, Nitrate: <20 ppm.
Prone to ich, fin rot, and stress if water quality is poor or if kept in small groups.
Semi-aggressive but social; best kept in schools of 6 or more to minimize aggression and display vibrant colors.
Active, semi-aggressive, and social. Prefers mid-level swimming areas and benefits from a well-planted tank with open spaces for schooling.
Native to Myanmar, the Odessa Barb is a striking and hardy species that thrives in community aquariums when kept in proper-sized schools. Males display bright red coloration with black spots along the body and fins, while females are lighter and less vividly colored. The species prefers planted tanks with open swimming areas and moderate water flow. Ideal for intermediate aquarists seeking an active and visually appealing schooling fish.