Kingdom Animalia Order Cypriniformes Genus Pethia Higher classification Pethia | Phylum Chordata Family Cyprinidae Scientific name Pethia padamya Rank Species | |
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Similar Pethia, Ticto barb, Black ruby barb, Rosy barb, Puntius | ||
Red crystal odessa barb pethia padamya species spotlight
Pethia padamya, the Odessa barb, is a species of cyprinid fish known from Central Myanmar where it is known to occur in an artificial pond above the Anisakan Falls and also from the lower Chindwin River. It has been known to the aquarium hobby for many years (where frequently confused with the less colourful Ticto barb), but was only described scientifically in 2008.
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Odessa barb pethia padamya breeding in my hands
Description
The Odessa barb is a small fish with a laterally compressed body. Among 28 adult specimens (12 males, 16 females) measured in its species description, both sexes were up to about 4.6 centimetres (1.8 in) SL. Hobby aquarist profiles have noted a length of 7 centimetres (2.8 in) SL. This species exhibits sexual dimorphism, which allows for easy identification of the sexes.
The male has a beige to light brown background color, but is noted for the bright red stripe running the length of the body. The male also has red irises with a narrow black streak through the middle of the eye. The dorsal, anal, and pelvic fins of the male are yellowish green in color with contrasting black spots.
The female is plainly colored with a light beige body and a reflecting silvery sheen on the scales. The fins of the female are a light yellowish green; however, only the dorsal fin contains the contrasting black spots, which are fainter than those of the male. Both sexes have a black and prominent spot in the dorsal area, as well as a smaller spot in the caudal area.
Etymology
This fish is also known as the ornamental fish species "Odessa barb" because it was said to have first appeared in pet enthusiast’s circles in Odessa, Ukraine in the early 1970s. The word "padamya" is Burmese for ruby, and was chosen in reference to the alternate ornamental fish name "ruby barb" and the vivid color marking of the male.
In the aquarium
Like most barbs, the Odessa barb is an active and generally peaceful fish that is best kept in a community tank. It is a schooling fish that can become semi-aggressive towards other tank mates if it is not kept in groups of 5 or more individuals. As this fish is fast moving, it is best kept in a tank with open spaces. The Odessa barb is a voracious eater that will eat most foods given including flakes and frozen foods, such as Bloodworms. The Odessa barb can be kept with other peaceful fish species including various Tetras, various Corydoras catfish, and the Ram cichlid.