Odessa Barb

Odessa barb, a small-sized ornamental fish, has its roots in Central Myanmar. It gets its name since it first made its appearance among pet enthusiasts in Ukraine’s Odesa. A part of its scientific name, “padamya,” means ruby in Burmese, given due to its coloration. Their gentle demeanor and attractive appearance make them a sought-after choice in the aquarium trade.

Quick Information

Scientific Name	Pethia padamya
Other Names	Ruby barb
Origin	Central Myanmar
Type	Freshwater
Conservation Status	Least Concern (by the IUCN)
Behavioral Characteristics	Peaceful, and active, but may display aggression towards other species of their kind
School Size	4 – 5
Physical Traits	Oval-shaped body, compressed laterally; large scales; and incomplete lateral lines
Colors	Male: Beige or light brown body with red stripes running from top to bottom; red irises, thin black streak through the center of its eyes; yellowish-green pelvic, anal, and dorsal fins with black spots Female: Light beige body; silvery sheen on their scales; light, yellowish-green fins with faint black spots only on the dorsal fins
Size (How big do they get)	Small; 1.8 inches (4.6 cm)
Lifespan	3 – 5 years
Sexual Dimorphism	Present: Males are brighter than females, with the color patterns mentioned above
Probable Diseases	Ich, dropsy
Approximate Price (How much is it for)	$ 10 – 15

Tank Setup & Care Sheet Details

Care Level	Beginners
Tank Size	30 gallons (113.5 liters)

Water Parameters

pH Level	6.0 – 7.0
Temperature	75.2° to 78.8°F (24 to 26°C)
Hardness	4 – 10 dGH
Aquarium  Water Flow	Fast

Tank Ambience

Lighting	Dim
Substrate Type	Dark substrates, and plants to help them attain a brighter coloration
Tank Mates	Compatible with: Neon tetra, ember tetra, and other tetra species, ram cichlid, mollies, goldfish, corydoras catfish species, tiger barb Incompatible with: Slow swimming species like pufferfish and those with long fins like the angelfish and gouramis as they tend to nip fins; with other male Odessa barbs due to same-sex aggression; invertebrates like shrimps
Suitable Position in the Tank	Bottom

Feeding

Diet	Dried, frozen, and live foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and flakes and pellets
Frequency	2-3 times a day

Important Things to Know For Fish Keepers

• Try keeping them in groups of at least five (as mentioned above), as a lonely Odessa barb would have a shy demeanor spending most of its time hiding between the substrates. They could also get stressed due to living alone that can affect their immune system, making them more susceptible to illnesses.
• If you find their bright red body (mostly of males) turning pale, the reason could be stress, primarily due to sudden alteration in their environment.  Lack of proper diet is also another cause.
• Odessa barbs often end up chasing one another to find their space out or just in pursuit of play. Hence it is recommended to keep them in a big tank to provide ample space for swimming and moving about.

FAQs