Tank setup
A minimum 80L aquarium suits Odessa Barb. Provide hiding spots and stable water — this species thrives in a well-filtered community setup.
Where to buy
Compare prices from SA aquarium shops listing Odessa Barb.
Community Marketplace
Fellow hobbyists may also be selling Odessa Barb.
Want Odessa Barb?
Tell shops you're looking — be the first to signal demand.
Overview
What to know before you buy.
A strikingly beautiful barb where mature males develop an intense, unbroken red horizontal stripe from eye to tail, set against a shimmering silver body. This vibrant coloration makes them a standout in any planted aquarium. They are active swimmers and, like most barbs, should be kept in schools of five or more to feel secure and reduce any potential for nipping. A well-maintained tank with both open swimming areas and planted sections will allow them to thrive and display their most impressive colors.
Key traits
barb
peaceful
active
community
medium
schooling
omnivore
breeds in captivity
Compatibility
Select a tank to see how this species fits.
Care guide
Everything you need to keep Odessa Barb healthy in a South African setup.
Water parameters
Keep pH 6.5–7.5 and 20–26°C. Stable parameters matter more than chasing perfect numbers — acclimate new arrivals slowly.
Feeding
Odessa Barb is omnivore. Feed a varied diet appropriate for freshwater fish — quality flakes, pellets, or frozen foods sized to the mouth.
Behaviour
Odessa Barb is generally peaceful. Keep in a group where possible for natural behaviour.
Tankmates
Pair with similarly sized peaceful tankmates in freshwater fish. Avoid fin-nippers or species that outgrow this fish.
Breeding
Breeding notes for Odessa Barb vary by line and water chemistry — ask your local shop about proven pairs in SA.
Settling this fish in?
Condition the tap water, seed the filter, test through the first weeks — most early losses trace back to one of those.
3-PIECE KIT
Availability confirmed with the distributor before dispatch · free delivery over r750
Community photos
From hobbyists across SA.
Photo by FishHubAdmin
Market intelligence
Price trends and buyer demand — data only FishHub tracks.
Price tracking started 18 Jul 2026 — chart builds as listings are updated
Demand by province
No active alerts for Odessa Barb yet. Be the first to set one.
Often kept with
Real pairwise verdicts for Odessa Barb, not a same-category guess. Always confirm adult size and your tank's specifics before buying.
- Often kept together
Pristella Tetra
Pristella maxillaris
In a 80L+ tank
- Often kept together
Giant Gourami
Osphronemus goramy
In a 1000L+ tank
- Often kept together
Crystal Black Shrimp
Caridina cantonensis var. 'Crystal Black'
In a 80L+ tank
- Often kept together
Corydoras Julii
Corydoras julii
In a 80L+ tank
- Often kept together
Red-bellied Pacu
Piaractus brachypomus
In a 1500L+ tank
- Often kept together
Orange Sakura Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi var. 'Orange Sakura'
In a 80L+ tank
- Often kept together
Black Phantom Tetra
Hyphessobrycon megalopterus
In a 80L+ tank
- Often kept together
Balloon Molly
Poecilia sphenops (deformed variety)
In a 80L+ tank