Red Garra

Garra rufa

Red Garra is a peaceful bottom-to-middle swimmer.

PeacefulBottom to middle swimmerIntermediate

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Need help with Red Garra?

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

Quick facts

Adult size: 3.9–4.7" (10–12 cm)
Aquarium size: 63 US gal (240 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length
Care level: Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Bottom to middle swimmer
Temperature: 57–68°F (14–20°C)
pH: 6–8
GH: 1–15 dGH
KH: 2–12 dKH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: 7–10 years

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate.

Lifespan: 7–10 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 63 US gal (240 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 14–20 °C, pH 6–8, GH 1–15 dGH, KH 2–12 dKH.

Temperament and compatibility

Red 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

Provide natural aufwuchs and biofilm plus algae wafers, spirulina foods, vegetables, small frozen foods and quality sinking pellets.

How to feed aquarium fish — General freshwater community guidance

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 63 US gal (240 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Middle Eastern river basins.

Natural habitat: Clear rivers, streams, ponds and other waters in the Jordan, Orontes and Tigris–Euphrates systems. The species grazes aufwuchs on stones and benefits from strong oxygenation.

Breeding notes

Breeding difficulty: Advanced.

Garra rufa is not a substitute for medical treatment and should not be maintained in crowded spa conditions. It can climb wet glass and escape through very small gaps. Avoid slow, long-finned tankmates.

Important notes

Requires strong flow and high dissolved oxygen.
Requires a tight-fitting lid.
May harass slow or long-finned fish.
Keep in a group of at least five or as a deliberately planned single specimen.

Similar fish profiles

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

Arulius Barb Dawkinsia tambraparniei Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 5.1" (≤ 13 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) Blood Tailed Danio Devario annandalei Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 70–79°F (21–26°C) Blue Moon Danio Devario xyrops Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 64–79°F (18–26°C) African Banded Barb Enteromius fasciolatus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 68–79°F (20–26°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)

FAQ

How large does Red Garra get?

Red Garra reaches 3.9–4.7" (10–12 cm).

What aquarium size does Red Garra need?

Use an aquarium of at least 63 US gal (240 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.

Is Red Garra peaceful?

Yes. Red 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 Red Garra?

Keep it between 14 to 20 °C.