Odessa Barb

🔥 Odessa Barb (Pethia padamya)
Add bold colour and constant energy to your aquarium with the stunning Odessa Barb. Males of this species are especially eye-catching, displaying a vivid red stripe running along the body, contrasted against a shimmering silver-blue base and dark markings.

A favourite among UK aquarists, Odessa Barbs are active, hardy, and perfect for adding both colour and movement to larger community aquariums.

🌿 Why Choose Odessa Barb?
❤️ Striking red stripe across the body (males)
✨ Shimmering silver-blue base colour
🐠 Active and lively schooling fish
🌱 Great for planted and community aquariums
⭐ Hardy and rewarding species to keep

When kept in groups, they form a fast-moving shoal that brings life and vibrancy to the entire tank.

📏 Care Requirements
🧬 Scientific Name: Pethia padamya
📛 Common Name: Odessa Barb
🏠 Tank Size: 80L+ recommended
🌡️ Temperature: 20–26°C
⚗️ pH Range: 6.0–7.5
🧘 Temperament: Semi-peaceful (can nip if understocked)
🍽️ Diet: Flake food, pellets, frozen & live foods
👥 Group Size: 6–8+ recommended

Odessa Barbs thrive in well-planted aquariums with open swimming space and good water flow. Stable conditions help enhance their colour and natural behaviour.

🐠 Compatibility
Best suited to active community tanks with other fast-moving fish such as danios, larger tetras, rainbowfish, loaches, and catfish. Avoid slow-moving or long-finned species.

Important Notes
Odessa Barbs should always be kept in groups to reduce aggression and fin-nipping behaviour. Males develop their best colouration when competing for attention in a shoal and in well-maintained aquariums.

The Odessa Barb is an excellent choice for UK fishkeepers looking for a bold, colourful, and energetic schooling fish that adds striking contrast and movement to a community aquarium.