Panda Garra

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate.

Lifespan: 5–7 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 81 L or larger / ≥ 90 cm (≥ 35.4 in) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 20–26 °C, pH 6.5–7.5, GH 4–12 dGH, KH 1–8 dKH.

Temperament and compatibility

Panda Garra is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Plant safe

Yes

Snail safe

Yes

Community safe

Yes

Aquascape fit

Yes

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the lower to middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Panda Garra should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Make sure food reaches the substrate before faster fish take it.

Provide biofilm and aufwuchs plus spirulina foods, algae wafers, vegetables and small live or frozen invertebrates. It is not sustained by nuisance algae alone.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Rakhine Yoma, Myanmar.

Natural habitat: Fast-flowing, highly oxygenated streams in the Rakhine Yoma of southern Myanmar, with rocky surfaces that support aufwuchs and biofilm.

Breeding notes

Breeding difficulty: Advanced.

Adults reach about 6.2 cm standard length and commonly measure around 7–9 cm in total length. The species is vulnerable in the wild, so documented captive-bred stock is preferable. It is an active grazer, not a passive algae-cleaning tool.

Before adding this fish

• Plan for an aquarium of 81 L or larger / ≥ 90 cm (≥ 35.4 in) minimum length.
• Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
• Offer a varied diet suitable for an omnivorous bottom-dwelling fish.