Species profile
Odessa Barb Gold Variant
Pethia padamya
Semi aggressive
Easy care
90 L minimum aquarium
5–7 cm adult size
Midwater
Minimum group: 8
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Gold is an ornamental colour form, not a formal taxonomic variety. Husbandry should match the researched parent Odessa Barb.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
18–25 °C
pH
6–8
GH
4–18 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 8
Tank zone
Midwater
Territory level
Low
Predation risk
Tiny fry
Bioload factor
0.8
Active shoaling barb. Usually manageable in a good-sized group but may nip slow long-finned fish when cramped or under-grouped.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
Yes / caution
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
4–6 years
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
90 L
Minimum footprint
80 × 30 cm
Accepted scientific name
Pethia padamya
Alternative names
Gold Odessa Barb, Odessa Barb Gold, Pethia padamya
Native range
Domestic ornamental colour form of Pethia padamya; the parent species is native to central Myanmar.
Natural habitat
Use the parent species husbandry: a well-oxygenated aquarium with open swimming room, planting/wood around the margins and moderate current.
Diet & feeding
Varied small dry foods plus frozen/live invertebrates and some vegetable matter; colour is best maintained with a broad nutritious diet.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Males are slimmer and more intensely coloured; females are larger and fuller-bodied.
Breeding
Egg-scattering domestic form of Pethia padamya with no parental care; adults may eat eggs and fry.