The Panda Garra, or Garra Flavatra is an active & attractive fish that originates from South East Asia. They have been found in both fast-flowing waters and near stagnant pools. There are many species of Garra, over 100, many of which have not been seen in the hobby yet. The Panda Garra was first introduced into the hobby in 2005, many of them entered as contaminates from wild shipments.
Tank Requirements
- Cautious Community
- Tight fitting covers, these fish are known to jump!
- Temperatures between 22°C and 27°C
- Water between pH 6.5 and pH 7.5
- Minimum of 75 gallons (340 litres) per fish
- Fast flowing water
- Best kept in groups of 5 or more
- Varied substrate sizes
- Varied decoration & plants to allow for varied algae growth
- Good lighting to promote algae growth
These fish are semi-aggressive. When kept as a single fish in a community tank they get along with most other fish, they also do well in groups or 5 or more. If you choose to keep less than 5, you may find territorial squabbles come up more often than you would like.
You should also ensure your aquascape breaks up the vision of the tank, reducing the size of the territory these fish can claim.
Feeding
- These are omnivores
- They will graze on algae that grows on rocks, plants, and glass
- They enjoy a mixed diet of bloodworm, daphnia, brine shrimp, flaked food, pellets
In my experience, these fish are not fussy eaters. They will eat pretty much anything that is put in the tank. They particularly enjoy meaty foods such as bloodworm, but they also like a bit of cucumber. Feeding wise, you couldn’t ask for an easier fish.
Male & Female Panda Garra
Size: Maximum length 10cm
Colour: Predominantly velvet black with off yellow markings. The tails are often yellow with black spots and their fins are often yellow with black stripes.
Sexing: Mature males will develop tubercles on their heads, females tend to have a more rounded/fuller body.
Personal Review
The Panda Garra is and active, attractive and fun to watch little fish. It is really fast and doesn’t sit still for very long at all.
It spends the majority of its day cleaning the front glass on my tank, which I certainly wont complain about. I have yet to see it have a squabble or set-to with any other fish in my tank, but it is still a baby.
I wouldn’t say this fish is in ideal conditions in my tank, I am really hoping that it adjusts, but we will see. I have plenty of algae for it to graze on and all my fish receive a mixed diet, but these fish are known for being very fussy with water quality and I think my water may just be a bit on the hard side for it.
