Odessa Barb

Although the Odessa barb has been known in the hobby for decades, it was only described scientifically as a separate species in 2008; for a long time it was thought to be a color form of the ticto barb. Its name is said to come from the fish market in Odessa (Ukraine), described as the place where it was first seen in Europe.

When the red band on the male's body combines with the net pattern formed by its black-edged scales, the result is very striking. It is hardy with a good appetite and adapts to a wide range of water parameters.

Its natural habitat is not known in detail. It is believed to live in streams, ponds and wetlands connected to the Ayeyarwady basin in central Myanmar. The region has a monsoon climate; water level and temperature change markedly with the seasons.

• Volume: at least 80 liters and 80 cm in length for a group of 6–10.
• Water: comfortable at 21–25°C; it also adapts to an unheated tank if the room does not drop below 20°C. It is flexible about pH and hardness.
• Decor: plants along the edges, open swimming space in the middle. A dark substrate and slightly dim light bring out the males' red.
• Maintenance: a 25–30% weekly water change and well-oxygenated water.

Omnivorous with a good appetite. Quality flakes and granules; frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp and daphnia; plant supplements such as spirulina food or blanched spinach. Carotenoid-rich foods support the males' red color.

Active and curious. Males constantly display to each other; their colors are brightest during these displays. In a large group it spends its energy on its own kind; in a group of 3–4, or when bored, it may nip the fins of slow, long-finned fish.

Good companions: other medium-sized barbs, zebra danios, large rasboras, platies, swordtails, corydoras, bristlenose plecos.

Avoid: slow, long-finned species such as bettas, guppies, angelfish and long-finned goldfish; very small and shy fish.

Keep at least 6, ideally 10 or more. A female-heavy group (1 male : 2 females) keeps the females from being worn out and keeps the display rivalry between males lively. Fin-nipping drops off noticeably as the group grows.

Like other barbs, it is an egg scatterer and provides no parental care. Spawning usually takes place in the morning over fine-leaved plants or a spawning mop; the parents eat the eggs right away. A separate breeding tank, a grid or a layer of marbles on the bottom, and removing the adults after spawning increase success. The eggs hatch in 1–2 days.

Hardy. White spot and fin rot in poor water are the most common problems. The males' red fades with stress, poor water or a monotonous diet; loss of color is often a warning to check the water parameters.

Males have a bright red band along the body, a black-spotted dorsal fin and a distinct net pattern. Females are plumper, olive-gold and without red; their fins are yellowish or clear.