Nippy Odessa Barbs.

[Fishy_7]

Before getting my Odessa barbs, I read that they were very tame, schooling fish. I have a group of 6 - 4 males and 2 females. I also have a large Angel fish who is now subject to fin nipping abuse from the male Odessas. The males used to squabble amongst themselves but now get along quite well. Is these any way to turn the attention of the Odessas away from my poor Angel? Would more Odessas help or would that just add to the Angel's woes?

Thanks.

 

[twodoctors]

I also read what you've read. I have 5, and 5 golden barbs. The Odessa tend to nip amongst themselves only. They occasionally try to nip the golden barbs. They don't touch my 4 honey gouramis or amano shrimp.

I had 12 tiger barbs before. They are notorious for nipping. They were with my rainbowfishes. They don't nip them. They did try to nip any newbies however, including my 2 sajica cichlids. Only for the first few hours though. I guess they are trying to show them who is boss.

 

[Fishy_7]

I have since bought more Odessa barbs, now have a total of 9. There is a higher proportion opf females and they now shoal and compete for food. My Angel is left alone, so it seems with these fish, as with Tiger Barbs, a larger group of fish is better to keep them occupied with their own.