Odessa Barb - Pethia padamya

Odessa Barb (Pethia padamya)

The Odessa Barb, Pethia padamya, is a lively and colourful freshwater barb known for the males’ brilliant ruby-red stripe, metallic flanks and dark-edged scales. Also known as the Ruby Barb, this active Myanmar species is a superb choice for planted community aquariums where movement, colour and natural shoaling behaviour are wanted. When kept in a proper group, Odessa Barbs are confident, attractive and generally peaceful, making them a popular alternative to more boisterous barb species.

Common Name:
Odessa Barb, Ruby Barb, Red-streaked Barb.

Scientific Name (Latin):
Pethia padamya

Maximum Size:
Usually around 4.5–5 cm.

Water Type:
Freshwater

Origin / Natural Habitat:
Native to Myanmar. The species was formally described from an artificial pond near Toe Gyi village above Anisakan Falls, close to Pyin Oo Lwin, and is also recorded from the lower Chindwin River. In nature, it is associated with freshwater habitats where groups forage actively among plants, open water and submerged structure.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 20–26°C
pH Range: 6.0–7.5
Hardness or Salinity: Soft to moderately hard freshwater; adaptable when captive-bred, but best in clean, stable water with regular maintenance.

Temperament:
Peaceful and active. Odessa Barbs are suitable for community aquariums when kept in groups, but they are energetic fish and may unsettle very shy or slow-moving species. Males display strongly to one another, especially when females are present, but serious aggression is uncommon in a well-sized shoal.

Diet:
Omnivorous forager. In the wild, it is likely to feed on small worms, insects, crustaceans, plant matter and organic detritus. In the aquarium, offer quality tropical flakes, micro pellets, small granules, frozen bloodworm, daphnia, brineshrimp, cyclops and occasional spirulina or vegetable-based foods. A varied diet helps males show their best red colouration.

Minimum Tank Size:
A minimum of 90 litres is recommended for a group, with 120 litres or more preferred for a larger shoal and active community setup. A longer aquarium with open swimming space is better than a small tall tank.

Behaviour & Activity:
An active mid-water shoaling barb that is best kept in groups of at least 6, with 8–10 or more preferred. Males develop stronger colour and display more naturally when kept with females in a mixed group. Provide open swimming space alongside plants, wood, stones and shaded areas, so the fish can move freely while still feeling secure.

Aquarium Category:
Community Fish
Suitable with other peaceful, active fish such as danios, rasboras, medium tetras, Corydoras, peaceful loaches, rainbowfish, gouramis and other calm barbs. Avoid very timid nano fish, slow long-finned species, aggressive cichlids and large predatory fish. Good group size helps reduce stress and prevents individual fish from becoming overly pushy.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Keep in groups rather than singly or in pairs. A planted aquarium with darker substrate, floating plants or shaded cover will help the colours stand out. Odessa Barbs enjoy cooler tropical conditions and should not be kept long term in overly warm aquariums. They are hardy once settled, but still need mature filtration, stable water quality and regular water changes.

Suitable for:
Beginner to intermediate fishkeepers

Availability:
Common in trade / Captive-bred where relevant

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.