The Odessa barb (Pethia padamya) is a small, vibrant fish known for its active behavior and striking appearance. Despite these appealing traits, it is less common in the aquarium trade compared to other barb species. Historically, the Odessa barb was thought to be a color variation of Puntius ticto; however, this classification was misleading since the natural coloration of Puntius ticto does not feature the distinctive wide red stripe along its body. This misconception was prevalent in aquarium literature until 2008, when Pethia padamya was officially recognized as a separate species. Understanding its unique classification and characteristics can help aquarists appreciate the Odessa barb’s place in the aquarium hobby.
