Neptune’s rating:
63- AffordabilityModerate
- Aggression LevelMostly Peaceful
- Breeding AggressionSlightly More Aggressive
- Conservation StatusLeast Concern
- DifficultyModerate
- HardinessModerate
- Length5.0 - 8.0 cm
- Liters per Fish15 L
- Maintenance LevelLow Maintenance
- pH6.3 - 7.5
- PopularityPopular
- RarityUncommon
- Minimum School Size6
- Tank HabitatSurface Dweller, Mid-tank Dweller, Bottom Dweller
- Temperature22.5 - 27.5 °C
- Territorial BehaviourMildly Territorial
Please note: These values are based on the average of various confirmed sources.
More about Odessa barb
The Odessa Barb is a small, colorful freshwater fish characterized by its striking appearance. It typically sports a dark body with a distinctive red lateral line that becomes more pronounced in males, especially during spawning. Originating from Southeast Asia, this species displays an elongated body shape with a mix of silver and black hues. It is relatively well-known and admired in the aquarium hobby for its vivid colors and active nature, making it a popular choice among aquarists seeking to add vibrancy and dynamism to their tanks.
Did you know?
The Odessa Barb is especially known for the males’ intense red coloration, which becomes more pronounced during breeding or when competing with other males. This striking color is the reason for its name, inspired by the Ukrainian city of Odessa, although the fish itself has no direct connection to the city.
Frequently asked questions
Odessa Barbs are generally not aggressive, but they can exhibit semi-aggressive behavior, especially in certain situations. They are known to be lively and active swimmers. In a well-managed aquarium with sufficient space and proper group size, they are usually peaceful. However, they might show some territorial or nippy behavior in smaller tanks or when kept in too small a group.
To minimize aggression, it’s recommended to keep them in a school of six or more, which helps to diffuse any aggressive tendencies among the group and promote natural, harmonious behavior. Additionally, providing a tank with enough space and hiding places can also reduce stress and aggression in these fish.