Description
🐼 Panda Garra (Garra flavatra)
📌 Basic Information
Scientific Name: Garra flavatra
Common Name: Panda Garra / Panda Loach / Rainbow Garra
Family: Cyprinidae
Origin: Myanmar (Burma)
Adult Size: 2 – 3 inches (5 – 7 cm)
Lifespan: 5 – 8 years
Tank Zone: Bottom to mid-level
🌊 Water Parameters
Temperature: 20°C – 26°C (68°F – 79°F)
pH: 6.5 – 7.5
TDS: 100 – 250 ppm
Water Type: Freshwater
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (GH 5 – 12)
Prefers clean, well-oxygenated water with good flow.
🐟 Appearance & Characteristics
Attractive black and cream “panda-like” banding pattern.
Streamlined body with a strong sucker mouth.
Active and playful personality.
Excellent algae grazer.
Social and energetic species.
Their bold contrast pattern makes them stand out in planted aquariums.
🍽️ Feeding
Diet Type: Omnivore (Algae grazer)
Recommended Foods:
Algae wafers
Spirulina pellets
Blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach)
Small live or frozen foods (bloodworms, daphnia)
Sinking pellets
Feeding Frequency: Once or twice daily in small portions.
Do not rely only on natural algae — supplement their diet regularly.
🛠️ Tank Requirements & Maintenance
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons (for small group)
Strong filtration with moderate to high flow
High oxygen levels preferred
Provide rocks, driftwood, and hiding spaces
Sand or smooth gravel substrate
Weekly 20–30% water change
They enjoy river-style setups with good water movement.
👥 Social Behavior
Best kept in groups of 4–6 or more.
Can show mild territorial behavior within species but rarely harmful.
Peaceful with most community fish.
Suitable Tank Mates:
Tetras
Rasboras
Small barbs
Peaceful gouramis
Corydoras
Avoid:
Large aggressive fish
Very slow-moving long-fin fish
✅ Do’s
✔ Keep in groups for best behavior
✔ Provide good water flow and oxygen
✔ Offer algae-based and protein-rich foods
✔ Maintain clean and stable water
❌ Don’ts
✖ Don’t keep alone for long-term
✖ Don’t house with aggressive large predators
✖ Don’t keep in stagnant, low-oxygen tanks
✖ Don’t depend only on algae growth
⭐ Quick Overview
Beautiful black & white algae-eating fish
Active and entertaining in planted tanks
Great for river-style aquariums
Suitable for beginners to intermediate aquarists
