Odessa Barb

Odessa Barb (Pethia padamya)

Origin: Myanmar
Size: 3 cm
Coloration: Bright silver body with a vibrant, red horizontal stripe running from head to tail, with males showing more intense coloration, especially during breeding
Temperament: Active and peaceful
Compatibility: Best kept in schools of 6 or more; compatible with other peaceful, similarly sized species in a community tank
Tank Size: Minimum 50 liters
Water Parameters: 22-26°C, pH 6.5-7.5, soft to moderately hard water
Diet: Omnivorous – Flake food, small pellets, live or frozen daphnia, bloodworms
Care Level: Easy to Intermediate
Breeding: Egg-scatterer – Breeds in dense vegetation; males will display vibrant colors during courtship
Lifespan: 4-6 years
Health Considerations: Generally hardy but should be kept in well-maintained water conditions to prevent stress-related illnesses
Tank Setup: A well-planted tank with open swimming spaces and some dense vegetation to provide hiding spots and encourage natural behavior
Fun Fact: The Odessa Barb is named after the city of Odessa in Ukraine, where it was first popularized in the aquarium trade, though it originally hails from Myanmar.