Odessa Barb

Pethia padamya

Odessa Barb is a peaceful middle swimmer. Keep in a loose group of 8+.

PeacefulMiddle swimmerKeep in a loose group of 8+Beginner

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Need help with Odessa Barb?

Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 1.8" (≤ 4.6 cm)
Aquarium size: 19 US gal (72 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Middle swimmer
Temperature: 61–77°F (16–25°C)
pH: 6.5–8.5
GH: 5–20 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 5 years
Group behavior: Keep in a loose group of 8+

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner.

Lifespan: up to 5 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 19 US gal (72 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 16–25 °C, pH 6.5–8.5, GH 5–20 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Odessa Barb is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding.

Feeding

Omnivore; use live/frozen Artemia, Daphnia and bloodworm and quality dry food with vegetable content.

How to feed aquarium fish — General freshwater community guidance

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 19 US gal (72 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length.
Make room for its social group.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Keep in a loose group of 8+.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Bandula Barb Pethia bandula Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.6" (≤ 4.1 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) Black Ruby Barb Pethia nigrofasciata Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner ≤ 2.2" (≤ 5.5 cm) 68–81°F (20–27°C) African Banded Barb Enteromius fasciolatus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 68–79°F (20–26°C) Black Barred Danio Danio absconditus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2" (≤ 5.2 cm) 63–79°F (17–26°C) Black Ink Barb Barbodes bunau Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 75–82°F (24–28°C) Blue Danio Danio kerri Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.8" (≤ 4.5 cm) 64–77°F (18–25°C)

FAQ

How large does Odessa Barb get?

Odessa Barb reaches ≤ 1.8" (≤ 4.6 cm).

What aquarium size does Odessa Barb need?

Use an aquarium of at least 19 US gal (72 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length.

Is Odessa Barb peaceful?

Yes. Odessa Barb is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Odessa Barb?

Keep it between 16 to 25 °C.

Should Odessa Barb be kept alone or in a group?

Odessa Barb: Keep in a loose group of 8+.