Odessa Barb
Pethia padamya
Minimum Tank
20 Gallons
Adult Size
3 inches
Temperature
70-79°F (21-26°C)
pH Range
6.0-7.5
Lifespan
5 years
School Size
6+ fish
About Odessa Barb
The Odessa barb is a vibrant fish originally described from specimens found in a market in Odessa, Ukraine, though it is actually native to central Myanmar. Males are among the most colorful barb species, displaying an intense crimson-red band along their flanks contrasted with iridescent greenish-black scales and a pattern of dark spotting. Females are less colorful with olive tones. For many years, the Odessa barb's exact wild origin was a mystery, but it was eventually traced to streams and rivers in Myanmar's central plateau. They are active, peaceful schooling fish that bring vivid color to the mid-water column without the nipping problems associated with tiger barbs.
Care Requirements
Tank Setup
- • Minimum 20-gallon tank required
- • Temperature: 70-79°F (21-26°C)
- • pH: 6.0 - 7.5
- • Category: Barb
Diet & Feeding
- • Diet type: Omnivore
- • Feed 1-2 times daily
- • Varied diet recommended
Tank Mate Compatibility
Compatible With
Avoid Keeping With
Care Tips
Expert Tips
Keep Odessa barbs in groups of at least six in a tank of 20 gallons or more. Males develop their best red coloring in the presence of females and when fed a varied diet rich in carotenoids. They prefer slightly cool to moderate temperatures at 70-79°F and adapt to a range of water chemistries. Provide open swimming space with some planted areas and moderate current. They are peaceful and make excellent community fish alongside tetras, rasboras, and corydoras. Feed quality flakes, pellets, and frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp to enhance their coloring. Odessa barbs are hardy and relatively undemanding once established.
Quick Facts
76L
Min Tank (20gal)
8cm
Adult Size (3")
5yr
Lifespan
6+
Min School
Build Your Perfect Community Tank
Find compatible tankmates for your Odessa Barb
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Tiger Barb
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Tank Mates for Odessa Barb
Species from our database with overlapping water parameters, compatible temperaments and a realistic shared tank size.
Buenos Aires Tetra
Hyphessobrycon anisitsi
easy · 20+ gal
Serpae Tetra
Hyphessobrycon eques
easy · 15+ gal
Tiger Barb
Puntigrus tetrazona
easy · 20+ gal
Bronze Corydoras
Corydoras aeneus
easy · 15+ gal
Similar Care Level
Other easy-care species that suit a comparable setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tank does a Odessa Barb need?
A Odessa Barb needs a minimum tank size of 20 gallons (76 litres). They should be kept in schools of at least 6.
What water parameters does a Odessa Barb need?
Odessa Barb thrive in water between 70-79°F (21-26°C) with a pH of 6.0-7.5.
Are Odessa Barb easy to care for?
Odessa Barb are considered easy to care for. They are peaceful fish with a lifespan of about 5 years.
How big do Odessa Barb get and what do they eat?
Odessa Barb reach about 3 inches and are omnivores. Keep Odessa barbs in groups of at least six in a tank of 20 gallons or more. Males develop their best red coloring in the presence of females and when fed a varied diet rich in carotenoids. They prefer slightly cool to moderate temperatures at 70-79°F and adapt to a range of water chemistries. Provide open swimming space with some planted areas and moderate current. They are peaceful and make excellent community fish alongside tetras, rasboras, and corydoras. Feed quality flakes, pellets, and frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp to enhance their coloring. Odessa barbs are hardy and relatively undemanding once established.