Odessa Barb Puntius ticto

Grows to: 3"

Hobbyist Level:  A hardy, colorful and active fish suitable for beginners.

How Many?  They are a schooling fish that should be be purchased in groups of 4 or more.  Six or more is best and will help deter fin nipping.

Housing:  Provide plenty of swimming room as well as some bushy plants for hiding.  They look best with a dark substrate.  They swim in the mid to bottom region of the tank.  They enjoy a very slow water current.  Minimum tank size is about 20 gallons. (Temperature- 70-78),  (pH 6.0-7.0)

Tank mates:  They are lively fish that should be kept with other lively fish of similar size.  They may nip fins and should not be kept with tank mates that have long flowing fins.

Feeding:  They will accept a variety of foods.  Feed flakes, along with brine shrimp and frozen foods.  They are an omnivore.

Natural Habitat:  Borneo, Indonesia, Sumatra & widely spread over Southeast Asia.  Fish sold at Elmer's are domestically raised.

Males and Females:  Males are slimmer, have darker black spots on their dorsal fin, yellow fins and a bright red line down their body.  Females are fatter and have duller coloration.

See also:  Barbs