Odessa Barb

The Odessa barb (Pethia padamya) is a hardy, vibrantly colored freshwater fish native to Myanmar. Growing to about 2.5–3 inches, males are renowned for their striking, neon-red horizontal stripe. These active, schooling fish thrive in 20- to 55-gallon community tanks with peaceful, fast-swimming tank mates.

Key Species Facts

Temperament:
Semi-aggressive; they can be fin-nippers, so they are best kept away from slow-moving or long-finned fish (like Bettas or Angelfish).

Schooling:
Must be kept in groups of at least 6–10 to prevent fin-nipping and reduce stress.

Diet:
Omnivore; they readily accept:

• High-quality flakes
• Micro-pellets
• Frozen or live foods like brine shrimp and bloodworms

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 70°F – 80°F (21°C – 27°C)
• pH: 6.0 – 8.0
• Hardness: 3 – 12 dGH

Tank Setup:
Odessa barbs prefer heavily planted aquariums with plenty of open swimming space. Darker substrates and backgrounds help enhance their deep red coloration.

Compatibility & Care

While technically part of the barb family, Odessa barbs are generally more peaceful than notorious nippers like Tiger Barbs. They are excellent additions to community tanks, provided their tank mates are fast enough to keep up with their active, food-obsessed nature. However, they are not shrimp-safe, as they will hunt smaller invertebrates.