Description

Odessa Barb – Pethia padamya

Overview

The Odessa Barb – Pethia padamya is a very striking fish that is often overlooked in shops. At first glance they appear grey and drab, but once they are settled into a home aquarium, they become something very different. The males colour up into a darker form with a striking red stripe along the lateral line. When they are breeding, the colours intensify further. This is a great choice of fish for those who would like to stick with Temperate (cold water) set ups, but don’t have the space for goldfish. Odessa Barbs have been in the hobby since the 1970’s, but their exact habitat was unknown until fairly recently. They were named “Odessa” not because they were originally found in Odessa, but because it’s the first port where they were first available for trade. They are in fact native to Myanmar.

Odessa Barb Aquarium

A thoroughly undemanding species, Odessa Barbs like to live in a spacious, well furnished aquarium. The tank should be planted with plenty of rocks and drift wood around the back and edges, as well as plants. This will offer the fish stimulation and cover. Do allow an open swimming space in the centre as they are a very active species that like to move around. Bare tanks tend to make these barbs somewhat skittish. Flow can be moderately strong and the water should be well oxygenated.

Odessa Barb Behaviour

This is a peaceful shoaling species that should be maintained in groups of 6 more individuals. They can be kept alongside most tropical and temperate fish, but slow moving long finned species should be avoided as these fish can be somewhat nippy. Odessa Barbs kept in smaller numbers tend to be more prone to harassing their tank mates, so it is best to have a group.

Tank Mates

Ideal tank mates include Rainbow Shiners, various Danios, Buenos Aires and Flame Tetras, Peppered Corydoras, Garra Rufas, Hillstream Loaches and other similar barbs. Keep in mind their preference for lower temperatures!

Feeding Your Odessa Barb

This is another species that doesn’t really mind what’s on the menu. Food can be offered in the form of high quality micro pellets, flakes and fresh or frozen fish foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia and bloodworm.

Odessa Barb FAQ

Are Odessa Barbs a good beginner fish?

Absolutely. This species has been in the hobby for decades and what you see in the shops is almost certainly tank bred. As such, they don’t carry the typical sensitivities of wild caught fish and can be very forgiving. This species is not fussy with food and doesn’t require specific water parameters. Whatever you do to mimic its natural habitat comes as a bonus and the fish will reward you with their bright colours.

Is Pethia padamya nippy like most barbs?

This is a common misconception. Actually, only a few barbs are notorious nippers. Most famous of them is the Tiger Barb. Odessa Barbs are far less prone to being nippy, but long finned species should still be avoided

Are they easy to breed?

Odessa Barbs will breed readily and getting them to breed isn’t difficult at all. Giving your females a high protein diet of brine shrimp and other meaty foods will give them the weight and strength to produce many eggs. Like most cyprinids, they utilise plants as a spawning area. Best practice is to separate your chosen male and female pair to a breeding tank with soft, acidic water. Furnish the aquarium with soft plants and mosses and let them do their thing. They will use several plants for spawning and once it’s complete, the adults will need to be removed as they will likely eat the eggs. Fry will take up to 2 days to hatch and an additional day to be free swimming. Feed them Liquifry until they are big enough to move onto bigger foods.

Can these fish be kept outdoors?

Temperate fish, like Odessa Barbs are not recommended for outdoor fishkeeping. Temperature fluctuations are a major factor in the wellbeing of the fish and UK winter temperatures are just too cold. Best to stick with the aquarium.

If you have any questions about keeping this fish, please contact us and a member of our friendly store team will be more than happy to answer all of your questions

Why not check out our other photos of some of the best livestock to have graced our tanks!