Odessa Barb

Synonyms:  Puntius padamya
Distribution:  Myanmar
Maximum Size:  7cm (2.76")
Temperature:   15-25°C
Water Parameters:  Soft and slightly acidic is best long-term. pH: <7.5, dH: up to 12 degrees.
Compatibility:  Community with no long-finned fish
Lighting:  No special requirements
Sexual Dimorphism:  Mature males develop a spectacular neon red horizontal band along the flanks.
Feeding:   Flake, granules, pellets, algae wafers and frozen foods

The Odessa Barb was once thought to be a hybrid of two barb species, but it recently came to light that this fish has a natural distribution area in a remote area of Myanmar. It is likely that the tank-raised fish we see today originated from this area. Odessa Barbs are, on the whole, a relatively peaceful species (although they should not be trusted with any long-finned fish that are slow-moving) and must be maintained in groups of at least 6 specimens due to their shoaling nature. This is one of many species that never usually looks at its best in dealer's stock tanks, but once settled into a planted aquarium, the wonderful eye-catching colouration of this active species will become very apparent. This species appreciates slightly cooler than average temperatures.

Eagerly accepts most aquarium fare offered: flake, green flake, micropellets, small frozen foods such as mosquito larvae, brineshrimp, daphnia etc. Will nibble at algae growing on plant leaves.