A highly active, stunning schooling fish known for the brilliant red lateral stripe running across the males. Originating from central Myanmar, they thrive in slightly cooler, sub-tropical water compared to typical tropical fish. They are robust and peaceful when kept in proper shoals, but may nip fins if stressed or kept in numbers too small.
Odessa Barb At a Glance
Odessa Barb Tank Requirements
Will Odessa Barb fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Odessa Barb needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Odessa Barb against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Odessa Barb Water Parameters
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Odessa Barb Temperament & Compatibility
Odessa Barb Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard (Mixed Sex)
Standard commercial offering, usually sold as unsexed juveniles or mixed sex adults. It is highly recommended to keep a mixed ratio, as males will display their most vivid red coloring when competing for the attention of the silvery, plumper females.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Mixed Group, School
Odessa Barb Care Guide Summary
The Odessa Barb, scientifically known as Pethia padamya, belongs to the Cyprinids family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 5 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as mostly peaceful, this species primarily occupies the mid-level and bottom zones of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Odessa Barb requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 80 litres and a tank length of at least 80 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 16°C and 26°C, with a pH range of 6.5–8.5 and a general hardness of 5–20 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
The Odessa Barb is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. The Odessa Barb is typically available in one standard form.
Odessa Barb Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Odessa Barb, a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the mid-level and bottom zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement and sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include dense planting to provide cover, break sightlines, and reduce stress.
Odessa Barb Compatibility Notes
Classified as mostly peaceful, the Odessa Barb is a schooling species that feels most secure in a sizeable group, where natural shoaling behaviour reduces stress and brings out their best colours. When choosing tankmates, avoid housing with slow-moving or long-finned species that may become targets for fin nipping and their energetic swimming style may stress more sedentary or timid species. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level and bottom zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Odessa Barb Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Odessa Barb.
30 Gallon Breeder
40 Gallon Breeder
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
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Frequently Asked Questions About Odessa Barb
How big does Odessa Barb get?
Odessa Barb (Pethia padamya) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 5 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Odessa Barb need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 80 litres and a tank length of at least 80 cm are recommended for Odessa Barb. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Odessa Barb need?
Odessa Barb thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 16–26°C, a pH between 6.5 and 8.5, and a general hardness of 5–20 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Odessa Barb peaceful or aggressive?
Odessa Barb is classified as mostly peaceful with an aggression score of 3 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
How many Odessa Barb should be kept together?
Odessa Barb is a schooling species and should be kept in groups of at least 6. Larger groups help distribute aggression and encourage natural schooling behaviour.
Does Odessa Barb have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Odessa Barb benefits from plants - densely covered in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Top Tank Mates for Odessa Barb
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Odessa Barb based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Wrestling Halfbeak
Dermogenys pusilla
Ideal Tank MatesJapanese Ricefish (Medaka)
Oryzias latipes
Ideal Tank MatesFlyspeck Hardyhead
Craterocephalus stercusmuscarum
Ideal Tank MatesBandit Cory
Corydoras metae
Ideal Tank MatesBanded Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia trifasciata
Ideal Tank MatesBanded Gourami
Trichogaster fasciata
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Odessa Barb
These plants pair well with Odessa Barb based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Amazon Sword
Echinodorus amazonicus
Anacharis
Egeria densa
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Baby Tears
Lindernia rotundifolia
Balansae
Cryptocoryne crispatula
Fish Similar to Odessa Barb
Rosy Barb
Pethia conchonius
A hardy, active, and colorful subtropical schooling fish. Known for the male's striking rosy-red breeding dress, while females are more golden/silver. They are voracious eaters, very active swimmers, and can be fin-nippers if kept in too small a group. Best kept in cooler water compared to tropical species. The Long Finned morph is also popular but requires gentler flow.
Arulius Barb
Dawkinsia arulius
A robust, highly active schooling fish native to the fast-flowing rivers of southern India. Known for their striking vertical bars and the beautiful dorsal fin extensions developed by mature males. Because of their energetic swimming habits and size, they require highly oxygenated water, decent current, and a spacious aquarium with plenty of horizontal swimming room.
Cherry Barb
Puntius titteya
A peaceful, schooling cyprinid endemic to the shaded streams of Sri Lanka. Unlike many of its barb cousins, the Cherry Barb is not a fin-nipper and makes an excellent community fish. They thrive in heavily planted aquariums with subdued lighting and leaf litter. Males display a striking cherry-red color, especially during spawning.
Tiger Barb
Puntigrus tetrazona
A highly active, schooling cyprinid famous for its striking black stripes and infamous reputation as a fin-nipper. They are boisterous and must be kept in larger groups (6+) to keep their pecking order internal. They should never be housed with slow-moving or long-finned tankmates like Bettas, Guppies, or Angelfish.
Red Rainbowfish
Glossolepis incisus
Native to Lake Sentani in Indonesia, this species is famous for the brilliant salmon-red coloration of mature males. They are large, active schooling fish that develop a distinct high-arched back as they age. Females are vastly different in appearance (olive-gold). They require hard, alkaline water and plenty of swimming space.
Banded Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia trifasciata
A large, robust, and highly active schooling fish native to Northern Australia. Famous for its intense geographic color variations (such as the red 'Goyder River' morph). They are peaceful but incredibly fast and vigorous swimmers, requiring long aquariums with plenty of open swimming space.