Odessa Barb

Pethia padamya

Tank Mates

Active and fast swimming community fish like Zebra Danios, Cories, Loaches, Platies and Rad-tailed sharks.

Avoid slowing moving, long finned fish like Bettas, Guppies, Gouramis, dwarf shrimps and small snails.

Notes

The Odessa Barb can be aggressive with other Odessas in the same tank, particularly the males exerting dominance.  They may also nip at slower moving fish or fish with long-flowing fins, such as Guppies, Angelfish, Betta fish, Goldfish, Gourami and small snails.

Nematobrycon palmeri var. amphiloxus black

Characteristics:

Tank Mates

Tetras, Rasboras, Danios, Hatchetfish, Mollies, Dwarf Gourami, Angelfish, Guppies, Loaches, Otcinclus, dwarf shrimp and snails

Care

Black Emperor Tetras are relatively hardy fish. Keep in large groups to minimize male aggression.  They’re able to reach 2” in size, males having blue eyes and females green.  General rule is 2 gallons per fish. 10 Gallon tank at a minimum, but push for 20 or more for healthy and happy fish.  Avoid aggressive or territorial species or large fish with big mouths.

Megalamphodus megalopterus

Characteristics:

Tank Mates

Tetras, Rasboras, Danios, Hatchetfish, Mollies, Dwarf Gourami, Angelfish, Guppies, Loaches, Otocinclus, dwarf shrimp and snails

Notes

Black Phantom Tetras often have an iridescent color around the black spot on their body.  They can have an orange to red fin, but their dorsal and anal fin are often transparent to black.  You can keep them in a 10 gallon tank, but push for a 20 gallon with larger groups. Avoid aggressive or territorial species or large fish with big mouths.

Paracheirodon axelrodi

Characteristics:

Tank Mates

Tetras, Rasboras, Danios, Hatchetfish, Mollies, Dwarf Gourami, Angelfish, Guppies, Loaches, Otcinclus, dwarf shrimp and snails

Care

Cardinal Tetras require a more experienced fish keeper.  They’re very sensitive to water changes and require softer to neutral waters.  They’re able to reach 2” in size and the red & blue markings run the full length of their body.  General rule is 2 gallons per fish. 10 Gallon tank at a minimum, but push for 20 or more for healthy and happy fish. Avoid aggressive or territorial species or large fish with big mouths such as cichlids.

Carinotetraodon travancoricus

Tank Mates

Species Only tank recommended.

It's possible to keep with other fish and snails, but the setup has to be just right and you have to be lucky with a less aggressive puffer.

Notes

Aggressive and territorial.  Provides lots of ground cover and space when having multiple puffers in one tank. Try to have 1 male for every 2-3 females to avoid fighting. The larger the tank the better, especially a wide tank with dense planting and lots space to shelter.  Provide a minimum of 5 gallons for 1 puffer, add 3 more gallons for each additional puffer.

Melanotaenia boesemani

Characteristics:

Tank Mates

 Cherry Barbs, Tetras, Rasboras, Danios, Dwarf Gouramis, Hatchetfish, Mollies, Guppies, Plecos, Dwarf Corydoras, Loaches, Otocinclus and even Dwarf Shrimp.

Notes

Although larger in size, Boesemani Rainbowfish are peaceful middle dwellers with small mouths.  They do well in a community with many nano fish including cherry barbs.  Minimize plant and decoration density and aim for 48" long tank to give them ample swimming space.