Odessa Barb – Pethia padamya

Scientific Name: Pethia padamya
Common Name: Odessa Barb

The Odessa Barb is a colorful and active freshwater schooling fish best known for the brilliant red stripe displayed by mature males, contrasted against metallic silver scales and dark markings. Females typically have more subdued coloration, while mature males can develop an intense red band extending along much of the body.

Native to Myanmar, Odessa Barbs are active, social fish that do best when maintained in groups. Their combination of strong coloration, manageable size, and energetic swimming behavior makes them an excellent choice for planted and active community aquariums.

Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful / Active
Adult Size: Approximately 2.5–3 inches
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
Temperature: Approximately 68–79°F
pH: Approximately 6.0–7.5
Diet: Omnivore
Recommended Group Size: 6 or more

Recommended Setup: Provide a well-filtered aquarium with plenty of horizontal swimming space along with plants, driftwood, rocks, and other structure. A planted aquarium with darker substrate can create an especially attractive display and help the bright coloration of mature males stand out.

Feed a varied diet consisting of high-quality flakes, pellets, and other appropriately sized prepared foods. Frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp and daphnia can be offered as part of a varied diet, along with foods containing vegetable matter.

Behavior & Tankmates: Odessa Barbs are generally peaceful but highly active. They are best kept with similarly sized community fish that are comfortable with their energetic behavior. Keeping them in an adequate group helps encourage natural social behavior and creates a more impressive display.

Male vs. Female: Mature males generally display the species' characteristic bright red lateral stripe and stronger overall coloration. Females typically have a fuller body and more subdued silver coloration. Juveniles may not yet display the intense colors seen in mature adults.

Please Note: Coloration, size, pattern intensity, and sex naturally vary between individual fish. The fish you receive may differ slightly from the individual pictured, and younger specimens may develop stronger coloration as they mature.

Available Quantities: Individual fish and discounted group options are available. Because Odessa Barbs are schooling fish, we recommend keeping them in a group of at least 6.

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