ODESSA BARB (Pethia padamya) FOR SALE IN CANADA | VIBRANT RED STRIPED FRESHWATER BARB

Odessa Barb (Pethia padamya) for Sale in Canada

The Odessa Barb (Pethia padamya) is a colourful, active, and peaceful freshwater schooling fish recognized for its brilliant red-orange stripe running along the body. Males develop particularly striking coloration, with intense red markings contrasting against their silvery body and dark-edged fins.

Native to Myanmar, the Odessa Barb has become a popular choice for aquarists looking for a vibrant schooling fish that remains relatively compact. Its active personality and attractive coloration make it an excellent addition to planted community aquariums.

Monster Aquarium Canada offers healthy Odessa Barb (Pethia padamya) for Canadian aquarium hobbyists with professional live fish shipping throughout Canada.

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Why Choose Odessa Barb?

A Brilliant Red-Coloured Schooling Fish

Odessa Barbs are prized for their:

Unique Features

Premium Characteristics

• Brilliant red-orange lateral stripe
• Silvery metallic body
• Dark-edged fins
• Males develop intense breeding coloration
• Peaceful schooling behaviour
• Active daytime swimmer
• Compact adult size
• Excellent planted aquarium fish

The male’s intense red coloration is especially impressive when maintained in a healthy group.

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Aquarium Size

A 20-gallon aquarium is a suitable starting point for a small group, while 30 gallons or larger is ideal for a larger school.

Recommended Aquarium Setup

• Mature biological filtration
• Good oxygenation
• Gentle to moderate water movement
• Dense plants around the perimeter
• Open swimming area
• Driftwood
• Smooth rocks
• Secure aquarium lid

A longer aquarium provides more room for natural schooling behaviour.

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Water Parameters

• Scientific Name: Pethia padamya
• Common Name: Odessa Barb
• Adult Size: Approximately 2–3 inches (5–7.5 cm)
• Temperature: 20–26°C (68–79°F)
• pH: 6.0–8.0
• GH: 5–15 dGH
• KH: 3–10 dKH
• Care Level: Easy
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Diet: Omnivore
• Swimming Level: Middle level
• Lifespan: Approximately 5 years with proper care

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Feeding Your Odessa Barb

Odessa Barbs are enthusiastic omnivores and benefit from a varied diet.

Recommended Foods

• Premium tropical pellets
• High-quality flakes
• Small granules
• Frozen bloodworms
• Frozen brine shrimp
• Daphnia
• Cyclops
• Spirulina-based foods
• Blanched vegetables

A varied diet helps maintain their vibrant red coloration and supports healthy growth.

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Ideal Planted Aquarium

Odessa Barbs look spectacular against green plants and darker aquarium décor.

Recommended Plants

• Java Fern
• Anubias
• Cryptocoryne
• Vallisneria
• Java Moss
• Bucephalandra
• Amazon Sword

Plant the sides and rear of the aquarium densely while leaving the centre open for swimming.

A dark substrate can further emphasize their red coloration.

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Compatible Tank Mates

Odessa Barbs are generally peaceful and work well in community aquariums with similarly sized fish.

Suitable Tank Mates

• Cherry Barbs
• Other peaceful Pethia species
• Harlequin Rasboras
• Larger Rasboras
• Danios
• Rainbowfish
• Corydoras
• Otocinclus
• Bristlenose Plecos
• Peaceful tetras

Avoid:

• Large predatory fish
• Highly aggressive cichlids
• Very slow-moving species
• Long-finned fish that may be stressed by active tank mates

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Schooling Behaviour

Odessa Barbs are social fish and should not be kept alone.

Recommended Group Size

Keep 6 or more Odessa Barbs together.

A larger group encourages:

• Natural schooling
• More confident behaviour
• Reduced stress
• More frequent male displays
• Stronger coloration

Males often display their brightest red coloration when competing for female attention.

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Male and Female Differences

Adult Odessa Barbs are relatively easy to sex.

Males

• More intense red coloration
• Slimmer body shape
• Stronger lateral stripe
• Brighter colour during breeding

Females

• Generally larger-bodied
• More rounded abdomen
• Less intense red coloration

Keeping both sexes creates a more natural social environment and allows males to display their full colours.

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Breeding

Odessa Barbs are egg-scattering fish and can breed in suitable aquarium conditions.

Breeding Tips

• Condition adults with live and frozen foods
• Provide fine-leaved plants or spawning mops
• Use a separate breeding aquarium
• Remove adults after spawning
• Protect eggs from being eaten
• Feed fry appropriately sized foods

Adults do not provide parental care and may consume eggs.

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Why Buy Odessa Barb from Monster Aquarium Canada?

Premium Healthy Aquarium Fish

Monster Aquarium Canada carefully selects Odessa Barbs for:

• Vibrant red coloration
• Healthy body condition
• Active swimming
• Strong feeding response
• Premium aquarium quality

Professional Live Fish Shipping Across Canada

Live fish are professionally packaged to help provide safe transportation throughout Canada.

Canadian Aquarium Fish Supplier

Monster Aquarium Canada specializes in freshwater fish, rare tropical fish, monster fish, freshwater shrimp, crayfish, aquatic snails, aquarium plants, fish foods, medications, and aquarium supplies for Canadian aquarists.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. How large do Odessa Barbs grow?

Odessa Barbs generally reach approximately 2–3 inches (5–7.5 cm) as adults.

2. Are Odessa Barbs peaceful?

Yes. They are generally peaceful schooling fish and are well suited to community aquariums with compatible tank mates.

3. How many Odessa Barbs should I keep?

A group of 6 or more is recommended. Larger groups encourage natural behaviour and more impressive colour displays.

4. Why are male Odessa Barbs so red?

Males naturally develop stronger red coloration, particularly when mature and in breeding condition. Good nutrition, water quality, and social interaction can help enhance their colours.

5. Does Monster Aquarium Canada ship Odessa Barbs across Canada?

Yes. Monster Aquarium Canada provides professional live fish shipping throughout Canada to help ensure your Odessa Barbs arrive healthy and ready for their new aquarium.