Species profile
Odessa Barb
Pethia padamya
Semi aggressive
Easy care
100 L minimum aquarium
5–7 cm adult size
Midwater
Minimum group: 8
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Cool-tolerant, very active Myanmar barb. A good-sized mixed-sex group produces the best colour and reduces attention toward other fish.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
15–25 °C
pH
6.5–7.5
GH
Up to 12 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
1.2
Usually peaceful for a barb but should not be trusted with slow long-finned fish. Keep eight or more with plenty of swimming room.
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
Not yet documented
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
100 L
Minimum footprint
90 × 35 cm
Accepted scientific name
Pethia padamya
Alternative names
Odessa Barbus, Puntius padamya
Native range
Myanmar.
Natural habitat
Known from Myanmar freshwater habitats; aquarium maintenance is best in well-filtered, oxygenated water with plants and open swimming space.
Diet & feeding
Accepts quality flakes/pellets, algae/plant-based foods and small frozen/live foods.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Mature males develop the striking bright red horizontal flank band; females are fuller and much less intensely coloured.
Breeding
Egg scatterer. Conditioned adults spawn over fine plants or moss; remove adults after spawning because they eat eggs.