What size tank do Odessa barbs need?
At least 30 gallons (114 liters) for a group of 6. The smallest standard tank that works is the 29 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable. We give the size for an adult fish in a proper group, because the small fish in the shop will grow. Scientific name: Pethia padamya.
How many Odessa barbs in each tank size?
This is how many each standard tank carries comfortably if Odessa barbs are the only fish in it. Share the tank with other species and the number goes down.
| Tank | How many Odessa barbs |
|---|---|
| 5 gallon | Too small |
| 10 gallon | Too small |
| 20 gallon long | Too small |
| 29 gallon | up to 9 |
| 40 gallon breeder | up to 13 |
| 55 gallon | up to 18 |
| 75 gallon | up to 24 |
| 125 gallon | up to 40 |
Check Odessa barbs against your own tank and other fish
Good to know
- Keep at least 6. Alone or in twos and threes, Odessa barbs hide, stop eating well, or pick on each other.
Tank mates for Odessa barbs
These animals like the same water, are a safe size, and have a temper that fits. It is a match on paper: always watch new tankmates for the first week.
- Bristlenose pleco
- Upside-down catfish
- Zebra danio
- Bronze corydoras
- Peppered corydoras
- Hillstream loach
- Bolivian ram
- Pictus catfish
Poor matches
- Fancy goldfish: Goldfish do best with other fancy goldfish.
- Oscar: Oscar is aggressive and will bully or kill peaceful fish such as Odessa barb.
- Molly: They need different water: Odessa barb likes a pH of 6.5–7.8, molly likes 7.5–8.5.
Questions and answers
What size tank do Odessa barbs need?
At least 30 gallons (114 liters) for a group of 6. The smallest standard tank that works is the 29 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.
How many Odessa barbs should be kept together?
At least 6. Odessa barbs are social animals and only behave naturally in a group. More is better if the tank has room.
Can Odessa barbs live in a 10 gallon tank?
No. Odessa barb needs at least 30 gallons (114 liters).
What temperature do Odessa barbs need?
68–79 °F (20–26 °C), with a pH of 6.5–7.8. A heater is only needed if your room gets cold.
Can Odessa barbs live with a betta?
Usually, yes, in a tank of 30 gallons (114 liters) or more. They like the same water: 75–79 °F (24–26 °C). Every betta has its own temper, so watch closely for the first week and have a spare tank ready.
More fish
Adult size, tank size and water ranges follow the mainstream care consensus (Seriously Fish species profiles and FishBase maximum lengths). Where sources differ we use the more cautious figure. Stocking numbers come from our stocking calculator.