Description
Odessa Barb (Pethia padamya)
Overview
Pethia padamya, commonly known as the Odessa Barb or Ruby Barb, is a vibrant, small freshwater fish from the Cyprinidae family, native to central Myanmar, specifically the Irrawaddy and Chindwin river basins and an artificial pond near Toe Gyi village. Named for its ruby-red colouration in males, particularly during breeding, this species was formally described in 2008, previously mistaken for a hybrid or variant of Puntius ticto. Growing to about 4.5–6 cm, Odessa Barbs are hardy, active, and suitable for beginner and experienced aquarists, adding a splash of colour to community aquariums.
Care Requirements
Tank Size
Minimum: 60 liters for a school of 6–10 fish; 80–120 liters recommended for larger schools (20–30) to support active swimming and reduce aggression.
A long tank (e.g., 120 cm wide) maximizes swimming space for schooling Behaviour.
Water Parameters
- Temperature: 16°C–25°C, ideally 18°C–24°C.
- pH: 6.0–7.5, slightly acidic to neutral preferred.
- Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (6–16 dH).
- Nitrate: Keep below 50 mg/L to ensure health.
- Use a water conditioner to neutralize chlorine and chloramine.
Tank Setup
- Substrate: Fine gravel, sand, or medium pebbles to mimic streambeds; avoid small substrates they might ingest.
- Plants: Dense vegetation like Java moss, Java fern, Anubias, or Microsorum for hiding spots and egg-laying sites. Floating plants reduce stress.
- Decor: Driftwood, rocks, and caves to replicate natural habitats with moderate to strong currents.
- Filtration: Moderate to strong filter (e.g., hill stream setup) for clean, oxygenated water with some flow.
- Lighting: Subdued or low lighting to emulate shaded streams and enhance comfort.
Maintenance
- Water Changes: 10%–15% weekly or 20%–30% monthly to maintain stable water quality. Avoid sudden parameter shifts, as Odessa Barbs are sensitive to changes.
- Testing: Regularly check pH, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels with a test kit.
- Cleaning: Vacuum substrate lightly during water changes; clean filter media in tank water to preserve beneficial bacteria.
- Feeding Control: Remove uneaten food within 2–3 minutes to prevent water pollution.
- Plant Care: Trim plants to prevent overgrowth and maintain open swimming areas.
Diet
Natural Diet: Omnivorous, consuming small crustaceans, insects, algae, and detritus in the wild.
Aquarium Diet:
- Staple Foods: High-quality flake foods, micro pellets, or granules designed for tropical fish.
- Live/Frozen Foods: Bloodworms, brine shrimp, Daphnia, or mosquito larvae to enhance colouration and health.
- Vegetable Matter: Algae wafers or spirulina flakes occasionally for balance.
- Feeding Frequency: Small portions 2–3 times daily, ensuring food is consumed within 2–3 minutes.
- Variety: Rotate foods to maintain vibrant colours and prevent nutritional deficiencies.
Behaviour and Compatibility
Behaviour
- Schooling: Highly social, requiring groups of 10+ to minimize aggression and stress; 20–30 fish display optimal schooling Behaviour and vibrant colours. Smaller groups may lead to territorial chasing, especially among males.
- Activity: Active, fast swimmers occupying the middle water column, often engaging in playful chasing and fin displays.
- Temperament: Generally peaceful but semi-aggressive during feeding or breeding, with males occasionally asserting dominance. Avoid slow-moving or long-finned fish due to potential fin-nipping.
Compatibility
- Ideal Tankmates: Peaceful, similarly sized fish like tetras (e.g., Ember Tetra), rasboras, White Cloud Mountain Minnows, Corydoras catfish, Kuhli loaches, or Bristlenose Plecos. Other cyprinids like Crossocheilus or Garra species are also suitable.
- Avoid: Slow swimmers (e.g., guppies), long-finned fish, or aggressive species (e.g., large cichlids) that may stress or outcompete them.
- Sexual Dimorphism: Males are smaller, slimmer, with vibrant red-orange hues and black fin margins; females are larger, rounder, with subdued silver-black colouration and less intense red.
Breeding Behaviour
Breeding Behaviour: Egg-scatterers with no parental care, laying up to 150 eggs in batches of ~20. Spawning occurs among plants or spawning mops, often in early morning.
Picture for illustrative purposes only. Either come in store to view available stock or request pictures to be sent to you.
Please Note: Due to variations within species resulting from age, region, sex, etc., the actual livestock may not look identical to the image. Approximate size range may also vary between individual specimens.
