Panda Garra

🐟 Panda Garra (Garra flavatra)

📌 Description

• Scientific name: Garra flavatra
• Common name: Panda Garra
• Origin: Myanmar (fast-flowing streams)
• Appearance:
  • Black body with distinct creamy-white/yellow bands (“panda” pattern)
  • Rounded head with a sucker-like mouth
  • Streamlined body adapted to currents
• Size: ~6–8 cm (2.5–3 inches)
• Lifespan: ~5–7 years

🏡 Tank Requirements

• Tank size: Minimum 75 liters (20 gallons)
• Setup:
  • River-style tank is ideal
  • Smooth rocks, pebbles, and driftwood
• Substrate: Sand or fine gravel
• Lighting: Moderate
• Plants:
  • Hardy plants (e.g., Anubias, Java fern) attached to decor

💧 Water Parameters

• Temperature: 20–26°C (68–79°F)
• pH: 6.5–7.5
• Hardness: Soft to moderate
• Water flow: Moderate to strong (important!)
• Oxygen: High oxygen levels required

🍽️ Diet

• Omnivore with strong algae/biofilm preference
• Foods:
  • Algae wafers and spirulina-based foods
  • Blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach)
  • Small live/frozen foods (bloodworms, daphnia)
• Constant grazers—benefit from established tanks with biofilm

🐠 Behavior & Tank Mates

• Temperament: Generally peaceful but can be territorial with their own kind
• Zone: Bottom to mid-level
• Tank mates:
  • Good:
    • Fast-moving, peaceful fish (danios, rasboras)
  • Avoid:
    • Slow, long-finned fish
    • Other bottom dwellers with similar body shape (may compete)
• Can be kept:
  • Singly OR
  • In groups (with enough space and hiding spots to reduce aggression)

⚠️ Special Care Notes

• Needs high water movement and oxygen—not suited for still tanks
• Can climb glass and decor easily
• Benefits from mature aquariums with natural algae growth
• Territorial disputes are normal—provide multiple hiding spots