Odessa Barb (Pethia padamya) - Tank-Bred

The Odessa Barb is a lively and colorful freshwater fish, prized for its striking red and black stripes and active nature.

Description:

The Odessa Barb (Pethia padamya) is a vibrant freshwater fish that features a shimmering red body with distinctive black stripes. This tank-bred variant is known for its hardiness and adaptability, making it an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced aquarists. With its energetic demeanor and schooling behavior, the Odessa Barb adds a splash of color and excitement to any community tank. These fish typically inhabit the mid-levels of the water column and thrive in a well-maintained aquarium with plenty of swimming space. Odessa Barbs are best kept in groups to encourage their natural schooling behavior and showcase their vibrant colors.

What We Like About This Fish:

• Striking Coloration: Shimmering red body with bold black stripes.
• Energetic and Lively: Adds dynamic movement to the aquarium.
• Hardy and Adaptable: Tank-bred for resilience in various water conditions.
• Peaceful Nature: Suitable for community tanks.

Aquascaping:

Odessa Barbs are ideal for aquascaped tanks with plenty of open swimming areas. Their vibrant coloration contrasts beautifully with green plants and dark substrates. Consider using plants like Anubias, Java Fern, and Cryptocoryne to create a balanced environment. Floating plants such as Frogbit or Salvinia can provide additional cover and promote their natural behavior.

Botanicals:

Incorporating botanicals such as Indian Almond Leaves and Catappa Bark can enrich the aquarium environment for Odessa Barbs. These botanicals release beneficial tannins and humic substances, creating a more natural habitat. They also provide additional hiding spots and grazing areas, promoting natural behavior and enhancing the overall health of your fish.

Diet:

Odessa Barbs are omnivorous and thrive on a varied diet. High-quality flake food, micro pellets, and frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms will be readily accepted. A varied diet helps maintain their vibrant color and overall health.

Compatible Tankmates:

Odessa Barbs are generally peaceful and can coexist with other non-aggressive fish species. Suitable tankmates include tetras, rasboras, corydoras, and larger, peaceful invertebrates. Avoid keeping them with very small shrimp or tiny fish, as they may prey on these smaller tankmates.

Shrimp Compatible:

Odessa Barbs are generally peaceful but will prey on small shrimp and some smaller fish. They can coexist with larger, peaceful invertebrates if provided with plenty of hiding spaces to minimize risk and ensure a harmonious tank environment.

Recommended Tank Parameters:

• Temperature: 72° - 79° F (22° - 26° C)
• pH: 6.5 - 7.5 (prefers slightly acidic to neutral water)
• KH: 4 - 10 dKH
• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons

Care Guidelines:

• Diet: Omnivorous. Will easily accept high-quality dry and frozen foods.
• Social Behavior: Peaceful, schooling fish.
• Origin: Tank-bred, originally from Myanmar.
• Average Adult Size: 2 - 3 inches (5 - 7.5 cm)
• Average Purchase Size: 1 - 1.5 inches (2.5 - 3.8 cm)
• Aquarium Size: Minimum 20 gallons

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