Odessa Barb

Pethia padamya was first described from Myanmar and is believed to originate from the Irrawaddy river system. Males develop a spectacular broad red-orange stripe running along the mid-body, overlaid on a silver body with dark-edged scales creating a spotted appearance. Females are plainer silver with subtle golden highlights. Odessa Barbs are more peaceable than Tiger Barbs and make excellent inhabitants of larger planted community tanks.

Water: 20–26°C, pH 6.5–7.5, moderate hardness (GH 6–15). Tank: 100 L minimum; well-planted with open mid-water swimming space; moderate flow. Feeding: Omnivore; varied diet of flake, pellets, frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp, and daphnia. Behaviour: Semi-aggressive; keep in groups of 8+ to distribute male display behaviour. Compatibility: Good with robust tetras, other barbs, danios, and bottom-dwellers; avoid very small or delicate species.