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Care guide · Freshwater · fish

Odessa barb

Pethia padamya

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The Odessa barb (Pethia padamya) is an active, generally peaceful shoaling fish from Myanmar. Males are notable for a broad orange-red flank band. The fish was once thought to be a hybrid or colour form, but it was formally described as a distinct species in 2008. Seriously Fish gives a maximum standard length of about 4.6 cm and recommends an 80 × 30 cm aquarium base, around 72 litres, with a group of eight to ten. Provide cover near the edges while retaining open water. After acclimation, check that every fish feeds well and adjust portions to avoid leftovers.

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At a glance

Temperature
16–25 °C
pH
6.5–8.5
GH
5–20 °dGH
Aquarium length
At least 80 cm
Minimum aquarium volume
At least 72 L
Adult size
Up to 4.6 cm
Group size
At least 8–10 individuals
Temperament
Peaceful

About this species

The accepted name is Pethia padamya Kullander & Britz, 2008; Puntius padamya is an earlier combination. It is distinct from the rosy barb Pethia conchonius. Males usually show a vivid orange-red band and dark fin markings. Females are often fuller-bodied and less colourful. When identifying fish, consider body shape, flank markings and fin pattern together; red colour alone is not diagnostic.

Natural habitat

The species is known from central Myanmar. Type specimens came from a man-made pond fed by a small stream near Toe Gyi, with additional records from the lower Chindwin. The unusual high-altitude type locality has been described with exceptional local conditions. A reported pH around 11 is emphatically not aquarium advice: use the practical aquarium ranges below and adjust water chemistry gradually.

Aquarium and layout

Follow the specialist recommendation of at least an 80 × 30 cm base and about 72 litres. This provides swimming room for a group of eight to ten active fish. Plant the margins and optionally use floating plants or wood to diffuse light, while leaving an open swimming area. Some movement and good filtration suit the species; avoid making the entire aquarium a high-flow channel. A darker substrate may enhance colour.

Water conditions

Seriously Fish recommends 16–25 °C, pH 6.5–8.5 and GH 5–20 dGH. These are broad husbandry ranges, not targets to fluctuate between. Stability, a mature biological filter and gradual acclimation matter more than chasing one exact number. The exceptional pH reported from the type locality is not part of the care range.

Behaviour and group size

The Odessa barb is generally peaceful but lively. Keep a mixed group of eight to ten so social behaviour is shared among conspecifics. Choose companions by adult size, activity, swimming space and temperature needs; overlapping pH alone does not establish compatibility. Very small, slow or long-finned fish may be troubled by activity and feeding competition.

Feeding

This likely foraging omnivore takes worms, insects, small invertebrates, plant material and organic detritus. Use complete flakes or fine granules as a staple, rotating suitable portions of Daphnia, Artemia or other appropriate frozen/live foods. A linked product is a recommendation, not a complete ration plan. Feed small portions that the whole group can reach and remove leftovers.

Breeding

This is an egg-scattering species without parental care; adults may eat the eggs. Fry may occasionally survive in a mature planted aquarium, but deliberate breeding requires a separate dimly lit setup. Use an egg grid, marbles, fine-leaved plants or spawning mops, then remove adults after spawning. Seriously Fish reports hatching in about 24–48 hours and free swimming roughly a day later; begin with infusoria-grade food.

Sources & review

This care guide draws on several specialist sources and was last checked on .

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