Panda Garra care guide
Panda Garra (Garra flavatra) — minimum tank 80 L, temperature 20-26 °C, pH 6.5-7.5.
Overview
The Panda Garra (Garra flavatra) is a small cyprinid endemic to coastal hill streams of western Myanmar. The body is marked with broad dark vertical bars and orange-yellow accents, recalling the colour pattern of a panda.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cyprinidae
- Genus: Garra
- Scientific name: Garra flavatra
- Common synonyms: Garra flavatra, Striped Garra
Habitat
Native to clear, fast-flowing hill streams of the Rakhine Yoma range in western Myanmar, with rocky substrates, smooth boulders and high oxygenation.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 80 L (21.1 US gal)
- Adult size: 6-8 cm
- Temperature: 20-26 °C (68-79 °F)
- pH: 6.5-7.5
- GH: 5-15 °dGH
- Water flow: high
- Lifespan: 5-8 years
Diet
A grazing herbivore that scrapes biofilm and algae from rocks. In aquaria supplement with algae wafers, blanched vegetables and occasional small live or frozen foods. Maintain mature surfaces for biofilm grazing.
Compatibility
A semi-aggressive species toward conspecifics; keep singly or in a group of five or more in a tank of at least 80 L. Compatible with active cyprinids and other current-loving species; provide hiding places and strong flow.
Breeding
Captive breeding has been reported but is uncommon; spawning takes place over rocky substrate in cool, well-oxygenated water.