Odessa Barb (Pethia padamya) - Live Fish

DESCRIPTION OF ITEM:

The Odessa Barb (Pethia padamya), also known as the Red-Stripe Barb or Padamya Barb, is a colorful and active species of freshwater fish native to the Irrawaddy River Basin in Myanmar (Burma). It's a popular choice among aquarium enthusiasts because of its striking appearance, peaceful temperament, and easy care requirements.

Here's a detailed look at the Odessa Barb:

1. Appearance

• Coloration: The Odessa Barb has a vibrant red to orange coloration along its sides, with a golden to yellowish body. Its fins often display hues of red or orange, especially in males, which become more pronounced during breeding periods.
• Size: This species is moderate in size, reaching an average length of 2.5 to 3 inches (6-8 cm). While small in comparison to some other barbs, it is active and noticeable in a tank due to its bright colors.
• Body Shape: Odessa Barbs have a slender, elongated body that is ideal for quick swimming. They have small, rounded fins and a delicate but streamlined appearance.
• Fins: The dorsal fin typically has a prominent black spot near its base, which adds to its distinctiveness.

2. Temperament

• Peaceful and Social: Odessa Barbs are generally peaceful fish that get along well with other community tank species. They are schooling fish, so it is recommended to keep them in groups of at least 6 or more. This helps reduce stress and promotes their natural schooling behavior.
• Active Swimmers: These fish are quite active, constantly darting around the tank. They enjoy exploring and interacting with other fish, but they are generally non-aggressive.
• Non-territorial: Odessa Barbs are not territorial and do not display aggressive behavior toward other species, especially if they are kept with peaceful tankmates.

3. Habitat

• Tank Size: Odessa Barbs are relatively small but active, so they need a minimum tank size of 20 gallons (75 liters) for a small group. A larger tank with plenty of swimming space will help them thrive.
• Water Conditions: They prefer slightly acidic to neutral water with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. The ideal temperature for Odessa Barbs is between 74-80°F (23-27°C). They are adaptable and can tolerate a range of water hardness, though they do best in moderately soft to slightly hard water.
• Substrate and Decorations: Odessa Barbs enjoy a tank with planted areas, along with rocks, driftwood, and open swimming spaces. They don’t require a specific type of substrate, but a fine gravel or sand substrate is ideal.
• Filtration: A good filtration system is important for maintaining water quality, as these fish are fairly active and produce moderate waste. Regular water changes are essential to keep the tank clean.

4. Diet

• Omnivorous: Odessa Barbs are omnivores, meaning they will accept a variety of foods. Their diet should include:
  • High-quality flakes or pellets.
  • Live foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp, or bloodworms.
  • Frozen foods, including mysis shrimp or earthworms.
  • Vegetable matter such as blanched spinach, zucchini, or lettuce.
• They enjoy a varied diet that includes both animal protein and plant matter. Regularly feeding them a mix of protein-rich foods and plant-based options will keep them healthy and colorful.
• Feeding Frequency: Feed them small meals 1-2 times a day. Remove any uneaten food promptly to maintain water quality.

5. Behavior and Care

• Active and Playful: Odessa Barbs are lively fish that are often seen swimming together in groups. Their active nature makes them a joy to observe, and they interact with other species well, especially when housed in schools.
• Peaceful with Tankmates: They are best kept with other peaceful, similarly sized species. Avoid aggressive fish, as Odessa Barbs may be intimidated and stressed by overly aggressive tankmates.
• Lifespan: With proper care, Odessa Barbs typically live for 5-7 years.

6. Breeding

• Breeding in Captivity: Odessa Barbs are egg layers, and breeding them in captivity is possible with the right setup. During the breeding season, males often become more colorful and will chase females in an attempt to spawn.
• To breed Odessa Barbs in an aquarium, a separate breeding tank with fine-leaved plants or spawning mops is recommended. Once the eggs are laid, the parents should be removed to prevent them from eating the eggs.
• The eggs typically hatch in 2-3 days, and the fry should be fed infusoria or finely crushed flakes until they are large enough to accept other foods.

7. Tankmates

• Suitable Tankmates: Odessa Barbs are peaceful, social fish that do well with many other species. Good tankmates include:
  • Other small barbs, such as Cherry Barbs or Tinfoil Barbs.
  • Tetras, including Neon Tetras and Rummy Nose Tetras.
  • Rasboras, Corydoras catfish, and small peaceful cichlids.
  • Livebearers like Guppies and Swordtails.
• Avoid Aggressive Species: Larger or more aggressive fish like Cichlids, especially those known for territorial behavior, should be avoided.

8. Considerations

• Schooling Behavior: As a schooling fish, Odessa Barbs should be kept in groups of at least 6 individuals. Keeping them in small groups can result in stress and inactivity, and they may become more skittish.
• Water Quality: Like many freshwater species, Odessa Barbs benefit from clean water. Regular water changes and filtration are important for maintaining a healthy environment.
• Compatibility: Odessa Barbs are peaceful and get along well with other community tank species, but care should be taken to avoid tankmates that are too large or aggressive.

The Odessa Barb is a colorful, peaceful, and active species that is perfect for community aquariums. Its vibrant colors and lively behavior make it a beautiful addition to any tank. When kept in a well-maintained, spacious tank with compatible tankmates, Odessa Barbs are easy to care for and can thrive for many years. Their schooling nature and adaptability to different water conditions make them an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced aquarium hobbyists.