Fishician®Diet
Omnivore – flake, pellets, frozen brine shrimp, bloodworms, vegetable matter
Aquarium species profile
Odessa Barb
Pethia padamya · Southeast Asia (Myanmar — Irrawaddy River basin)
Minimum tank20 gal
Adult size2.5"
Care levelEasy
TemperamentSemi-Aggressive
Temperature72–82°F
pH range6.0–7.5
Compatible tank mates
Robust tetras, Corydoras, Danios, other barbs
Tank mates to avoid
Long-finned fish (fin-nipper), very small or timid fish
Care notes
Males display a brilliant crimson-red stripe along the body with black markings — stunning fish. Peaceful in large schools (8+) but may nip fins in smaller groups. Extremely hardy and adaptable. Underrated barb.
Check the whole aquarium. Tank size alone does not establish compatibility. Confirm adult size, water overlap, social grouping, territory, diet, and the individual animals before stocking.