Panda Garra

Garra flavatra

The Panda Garra (*Garra flavatra*) is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating, hardworking and charismatic algae-eaters in the fishkeeping world. Very different from the classic grey and hidden Plecostomus, this small bottom fish (7-9 cm / 3.5 inches) sports an amazing color contrast: thick alternating bands of deep gold and dark brown/black, with fins tinted a bright coral red. It is not only a useful fish, but a true aquarium star, constantly in sight and endowed with a comical and extroverted personality. However, to thrive long-term, it requires the rigorous simulation of its inhospitable native habitat: strong-current mountain streams.

Family: Cyprinidae
Origin: Asia (Torrenti montani fortemente ossigenati e cascate dei Monti Arakan, Myanmar occidentale)
Tank use: Used in 0 tanks

Temperature

22 °C - 27 °C

6.5 - 7.5

Water type

Freshwater

Tank level

Zona inferiore e Vetri. Si attaccano a qualsiasi superficie solida (vetri, rocce, legni).

Adult size

8 cm

Description

The Natural Manicure:

Like the famous species used in spas in Asia (*Garra rufa* or Doctor Fish), Panda Garras have no fear of humans. If you insert a clean hand into the aquarium and hold it still, they will often swim towards it attaching themselves to the back of your hand or fingers to gently "scrape" dead skin. It is a harmless tingling sensation and highlights their extraordinary sociability.

Care and observations

The Adhesive Disc (Evolution for Waterfalls):

Unlike suckermouth catfish (*Loricariids*), Garras are cyprinids. They have evolved a profound modification of the lower lip that forms a real rough adhesive disc. This allows them to "glue" themselves to smooth stones in the waterfalls of Myanmar and resist torrents of such power as to sweep away any other fish, while they placidly continue to scrape algae. To honor this biology, your aquarium must have a strong water flow and flat round stones, not sharp gravel.

Oxygen Hunger and Escape Fears:

They come from waters with dissolved oxygen levels close to saturation (100%). If your aquarium is warm and the water is still, Panda Garras will gasp and literally try to climb out of the water by climbing on the glass above the water level. A sealed lid is mandatory, because their "sucker-climbing" abilities are impressive.

Comedy Fights:

Never keep them individually. They are gregarious, but form strict temporary hierarchies. Seeing a group of Panda Garras is a spectacle: they challenge each other in funny "duels" by pulling alongside each other, spreading their red fins and fading their colors to try and push each other off the algae-rich stone.

Fish profile

Temperament: Estremamente socievole, curioso e totalmente pacifico verso le altre specie. Infragruppo sono esilaranti: ingaggiano costanti e innocue prove di forza in cui spingono i fianchi l'uno contro l'altro per stabilire il dominio sul sasso migliore.
Diet: Brucatore specializzato (Aufwuchs) / Onnivoro. In natura raschiano ininterrottamente il biofilm (alghe, diatomee, piccoli crostacei incastrati) dai sassi scivolosi delle cascate. In acquario puliscono indefessamente vetri e pietre, ma necessitano di un forte apporto proteico: chironomus surgelato (bloodworms), dafnie e pastiglie da fondo a base di spirulina e farina di pesce.
Tank level: Zona inferiore e Vetri. Si attaccano a qualsiasi superficie solida (vetri, rocce, legni).
Minimum group: 4
Adult size: 8 cm
Minimum tank: 80 L
GH: 2 dGH - 12 dGH
KH: n/a
TDS: n/a
Conductivity: n/a
Sex ratio: Gruppi misti. Il maschio in età riproduttiva sviluppa evidenti e spessi tubercoli nuziali (simili a spine callose) sul muso e sulla testa.
Feeding frequency: 1-2 volte al giorno, somministrando le compresse da fondo nelle zone di forte corrente.
Bioload: Medio (mangiano in continuazione e defecano in proporzione)
Flow: Corrente da Forte a Torrenziale (indispensabile per la loro biologia)
Jump risk: Covered tank required
Reproduction: Rara in acquari comuni. Nei torrenti depongono le uova in piccole fosse nella ghiaia durante i picchi di piena ossigenata delle piogge. La maggior parte degli esemplari in vendita sono di cattura o riprodotti con l'ausilio di ormoni.
Compatibility: Coinquilini eccezionali per vasche reofile (a corrente forte). Ideali con Barbo di Denison, Danio giganti o zebra, Botia e Balitoridi (Hillstream Loaches). Sicuri anche in acquari di comunità purché il flusso d'acqua sia potente.

Image gallery

Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.