Panda Garra

Garra flavatra

Panda Garra is a peaceful bottom-to-middle swimmer. Keep in a loose group of 5+.

PeacefulBottom to middle swimmerKeep in a loose group of 5+Intermediate

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Need help with Panda Garra?

Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: 2.4–3.5" (6–9 cm)
Aquarium size: 21 US gal (81 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length
Care level: Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Bottom to middle swimmer
Temperature: 72–79°F (22–26°C)
pH: 6.5–7.5
GH: 2–12 dGH
KH: 1–8 dKH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: 5–7 years
Group behavior: Keep in a loose group of 5+

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate.

Lifespan: 5–7 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 21 US gal (81 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 22–26 °C, pH 6.5–7.5, GH 2–12 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

Biofilm/algae is supplemental; offer Spirulina-containing sinking foods, small animal foods and occasional vegetables.

How to feed aquarium fish — General freshwater community guidance

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 21 US gal (81 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Keep in a loose group of 5+.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

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.

Plan for adults up to 9 cm standard length; no total-length conversion is assumed. 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.

Important notes

Vulnerable in the wild; prefer captive-bred stock.
Requires strong oxygenation and clean flowing water.
Requires a tight-fitting lid.
Do not keep only two or three individuals.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

African Banded Barb Enteromius fasciolatus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 68–79°F (20–26°C) Black Ink Barb Barbodes bunau Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 75–82°F (24–28°C) Blacknose Butterfly Barb Enteromius candens Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 1.4" (≤ 3.5 cm) 63–75°F (17–24°C) Blue Danio Danio kerri Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.8" (≤ 4.5 cm) 64–77°F (18–25°C) Assam Danio Devario assamensis Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.5" (≤ 9 cm) 59–72°F (15–22°C) Barred Danio Devario pathirana Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 73–79°F (23–26°C)

FAQ

How large does Panda Garra get?

Panda Garra reaches 2.4–3.5" (6–9 cm).

What aquarium size does Panda Garra need?

Use an aquarium of at least 21 US gal (81 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length.

Is Panda Garra peaceful?

Yes. Panda Garra is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Panda Garra?

Keep it between 22 to 26 °C.

Should Panda Garra be kept alone or in a group?

Panda Garra: Keep in a loose group of 5+.