Odessa Barb (Pethia padamya) – Male Care Guide

The Odessa Barb is a lively, colorful, and easy-to-care-for freshwater fish originally from Myanmar (Burma). Males are especially striking, displaying a fiery red stripe that runs from head to tail, contrasted with shimmering silver scales and black highlights on the fins. Known for their active schooling behavior and hardy nature, Odessa Barbs are a popular choice for aquarists seeking both beauty and energy in their tanks.

✅ Description

• Appearance: Males feature a bold red horizontal stripe with metallic silver and black accents. Females are paler with golden tones.

• Size: Grows up to 2–3 inches (5–7.5 cm).

• Lifespan: Around 3–5 years with proper care.

• Temperament: Peaceful but active; should always be kept in groups.

Tank Requirements

• Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons, larger preferred for bigger schools.

• Schooling Fish: Keep in groups of 6 or more to reduce aggression and stress.

• Aquascape: Best in planted tanks with open swimming areas and some driftwood or rocks for contrast.

• Substrate: Darker substrate helps enhance their red coloration.

️ Water Parameters

• Temperature: 72–79°F (22–26°C)

• pH: 6.0–7.5

• Hardness: 5–15 dGH

• Filtration: Requires clean, well-oxygenated water.

• Water Changes: 25–30% weekly recommended.

️ Diet & Feeding

Odessa Barbs are omnivorous and not picky eaters.

• Staple Foods: High-quality flakes or micro pellets.

• Supplements: Frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms.

• Vegetable Matter: Spirulina flakes, algae wafers, or blanched veggies.

• Feeding Frequency: 2 small meals daily.

Tank Mates

• Good Tank Mates: Peaceful community fish like tetras, rasboras, rainbowfish, corydoras, and other small barbs.

• Avoid: Slow-moving, long-finned fish (e.g., angelfish, bettas, guppies), as Odessa Barbs may fin-nip if not in large enough groups.

Breeding

• Type: Egg scatterer.

• Process: Spawning usually occurs in dense plants. Eggs may be eaten by adults, so a separate breeding tank is recommended.

• Fry Care: Fry should be fed infusoria or liquid fry food, then baby brine shrimp once large enough.

❤️ General Care Tips

• Always keep in schools of 6+ to ensure peaceful behavior.

• Provide a mix of open space for swimming and planted areas for security.

• Their bright colors are most intense when fed a varied, high-quality diet.

• A hardy species, making them ideal for beginner to intermediate aquarists.

Summary

The Odessa Barb (Pethia padamya) – Male is a vibrant, hardy, and energetic schooling fish perfect for community aquariums. With their fiery red stripe and active personality, they bring both color and movement to freshwater tanks when kept in proper groups and stable water conditions.