Pethia padamya – Odessa Barb / Ruby Barb (~5 cm / ~2″)

Description

Pethia padamya, commonly known as the Odessa Barb, is a vividly colored small barb native to Myanmar . Males display a striking ruby-red stripe down the side, bright red irises, and spotted dorsal and anal fins. Females are more subdued in color, generally matte beige to silvery with fewer fin markings Adults grow to about 5 cm SL, with scientific records noting a maximum of around 4.6 cm 

Care Instructions

• Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons (~75 L) for a proper school Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 16–28 °C (61–77 °F) 

  • pH: 6.0–8.0, Hardness: Soft to moderately hard 

• Setup: Fine gravel substrate, live plants (Java fern, Anubias), floating plants, and open swimming pathways 

• Diet: Omnivorous; accepts high-quality flakes, micro pellets, and live/frozen foods like daphnia or brine shrimp 

• Behavior & Social Needs:

  • Peaceful and schooling—keep in groups of at least 6 to show natural behavior 

  • May exhibit mild dominance among males; fast-moving behavior may stress slower tankmates with longer fins 

• Breeding: Egg-scatterer. Use fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. Eggs hatch in ~24 hours, fry require infusoria or nauplii initially 

• Maintenance: Weekly 20–30% water changes and stable water quality; observe behavior for stress or aggression