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Odessa Barb

Odessa Barb

Breed InfoHabitatNutritionHealth

Origin

🇲🇲

Myanmar

Habitat Size

50-150 Liters

Water Type

Fresh Water

Water Temperature

22º-28ºC

Cost in India

₹80 - ₹150

Size

2.5 - 3 inches (Small)

Diet

Omnivore

Odessa Barb swimming gracefully with red stripe in dark aquarium
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by Happy Pet TeamUpdated on 2 Dec 2025

The Odessa Barb is a small, colorful freshwater fish, and males have a ribbon-like, shiny red stripe on the length of their body. They are very popular in the aquarium trade for home aquariums. Children and beginners within the aquarium hobby tend to like this species because of their animated energetic swimming behavior and their coloration. The species was officially named Pethia padamya in 2008 and has become a favorite among hobbyists since the 1970s.

Origin

  1. Native to central Myanmar (Burma), near ponds above Anisakan Falls and the Chindwin River basin

Odessa Barb Temperament

  1. Peaceful and social
  2. Best kept in small groups of 5 or more
  3. When alone, they may nip at fins or act shy

Compatibility

Good tankmates:

  1. Tetras
  2. Rasboras
  3. Danios
  4. Corydoras catfish

Avoid:

  1. Slow, long-finned fish like bettas or angelfish

Odessa Barb Price Range in India

  1. Usually priced between ₹150–₹300 per fish, depending on the size and seller

Characteristics

Temperament

Aggressive

Friendly

Compatibility with other fishes

Not Friendly

Super Friendly

Habitat Size

Small

Large

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Odessa Barb Habitat Requirements

Initial Setup Cost

₹4,000 - ₹12,000

Water Temperature

22º -28ºC

Water Type

Fresh Water

PH Level

6.5 - 7.5

Odessa Barb Tank Type

  1. Freshwater, community setup

Aquarium Size

  1. Minimum recommended: 30 US gallons for a small school (5–6 fish)
  2. Bigger is better because they are active swimmers

Odessa Barb Water Conditions

  1. Temperature: 22–26°C (70–79°F)
  2. pH Level: 6.0–7.0
  3. Hardness: 5–15 °dGH

Environment Needs

  1. Add plants for hiding spots and comfort
  2. Leave open space for swimming
  3. Include smooth rocks or driftwood for decoration
  4. Keep a tight lid — they may jump out

Essential Equipment

Aquarium tank

Water filter

Heater

Substrate

Light

Odessa Barb Nutritional Guide

Avg Monthly Expenses

₹80 - ₹ 150

Odessa Barb Diet Type

  1. Omnivore, eats both plant and animal-based foods

Suitable Foods

  1. Good quality flakes and micro pellets
  2. Daphnia, brine shrimp, and bloodworms exist as live foods or frozen foods
  3. Sometimes include soft vegetables, for example, spinach or zucchini

Odessa Barb Feeding Frequency & Tips

  1. Feed once or twice daily in small portions, eaten within 2 minutes
  2. Mix different foods for good color and growth
  3. Remove leftover food to keep water clean
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Odessa Barb Health & Care

Common Health Issues

White spot / ick

Fungus

Fin rot

Parasitic infections

Swim bladder inflammation

Gill disease

Signs of good health

Active

Bright coloration

Good apetite

Signs of sickness

Loss of appetite

Lethargic behaviour

Dull coloring

Tattered fins

White growths

Odessa Barbs are hardy, but like any other fish they are vulnerable to illnesses with a lack of appropriate conditions or correct feeding. Knowing about what illnesses Odessa Barbs can get is key to a long and healthy life.

Ich (White Spot Disease)

Ich shows up as tiny white spots on the body or fins. Fish may scratch on rocks or swim oddly. Raise water temperature slightly and use Ich medicine as directed. Keep the tank clean and stable to help them recover quickly.

Fin Rot

The fins look torn or frayed, often from poor water quality or small fights. Clean the water regularly, fix filter issues, and use antibacterial medicine if needed. Reducing stress helps the fins grow back healthy.

Fungal or Cloudy Eye Infections

This causes cotton-like patches or cloudy eyes. It usually happens due to dirty water or injury. Move the fish to a separate tank and use antifungal treatment. A clean tank and a varied diet help prevent it.

Odessa Barb General Health Tips

  1. Keep water temperature, pH, and hardness stable
  2. Change 20–30% of water weekly
  3. Don’t overfeed; give only what they can finish
  4. Watch for sudden color or behavior changes
  5. Keep them in groups of 5 or more for less stress
  6. Use a good filter and air pump for oxygen flow
  7. Quarantine new fish before adding them to the tank

Prerequisites for a Fish

Adequate tank space

Cleanliness

Effort & commitment

Enriching Environment

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Happy Pet Team

Author

Team Happy Pet is a passionate collective of pet experts, enthusiasts, and advocates dedicated to sharing trusted and insightful content.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What essential equipment is needed for an Odessa Barb tank?

Essential equipment includes a good filtration system, a heater, a thermometer, and adequate lighting. Providing plants and hiding spots is also beneficial.

Are Odessa Barbs suitable for community tanks?

Yes, Odessa Barbs are generally peaceful and do well in community aquariums with other peaceful fish of similar size. Avoid keeping them with aggressive or very small fish that may be seen as prey.

What do Odessa Barbs eat?

They are omnivores and will accept a variety of foods including high-quality flakes, pellets, frozen, and live foods. They also enjoy occasional treats of vegetables like blanched spinach or zucchini.