Description
Odessa Barb (Pethia padamya)
📌 Basic Info
Scientific Name: Pethia padamya
Common Names: Odessa Barb, Red Odessa Barb
Family: Cyprinidae (Carp/Barb Family)
Order: Cypriniformes
Origin: Myanmar (Burma) — freshwater rivers and streams
Size: Up to 2 inches (5 cm) in captivity
Lifespan: 3 – 5 years
Tank Zone: Mid-level swimmer
🌊 Water Parameters
TDS: 50 – 200 ppm
pH: 6.5 – 7.5
Temperature: 22 – 28°C (72 – 82°F)
Hardness: 5 – 15 dGH
🐟 Characteristics
Body: Small, slender, and laterally compressed body with smooth scales.
Coloration: Bright red body (especially males) with a silvery sheen; females are paler.
Fins: Rounded dorsal and caudal fins; anal and pectoral fins translucent.
Behavior: Active, peaceful schooling fish; males can show mild territorial behavior during breeding.
Nature: Diurnal; energetic mid-water swimmer.
Special Feature: Brilliant red coloration in males intensifies when in a group; very eye-catching in community tanks.
🍽️ Food
Type: Omnivorous
Diet: Flakes, micro-pellets, live/frozen foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp, and bloodworms.
Feeding Frequency: Once or twice daily.
Tip: Provide a protein-rich diet to enhance male coloration.
🛠️ Maintenance
Tank Size: Minimum 60 liters (15 gallons) for a small school.
Filtration: Moderate filtration; gentle to moderate water flow preferred.
Substrate: Sand or fine gravel.
Decor: Plants, driftwood, and open swimming areas; floating plants for comfort.
Lighting: Moderate; enhances red coloration.
Water Change: 20–25% weekly.
👥 Social Behavior
Group Size: Best kept in schools of 6 or more.
Tank Mates: Peaceful community fish like tetras, rasboras, guppies, and small rainbowfish.
Avoid: Aggressive or fin-nipping species.
Compatibility Note: Social fish; stress occurs if kept alone or in too small groups.
✅ Do’s
Keep in schools for best coloration and behavior.
Provide plants and open swimming areas.
Maintain clean water with regular changes.
Feed a varied diet including live and frozen foods.
❌ Don’ts
Don’t keep singly; they are schooling fish.
Don’t house with aggressive species.
Don’t neglect water quality; sensitive to ammonia/nitrite spikes.
⭐ Quick Tips
Odessa Barbs are peaceful, colorful, and active freshwater fish. Their brilliant red coloration, energetic swimming, and schooling behavior make them an excellent addition to community aquariums, especially for mid-level activity and visual impact.
