The Panda Garra, also known as Garra Flavatra, sand-digger” fish, bottom-dwelling cyprinids “with no affinity to another genus” are now known as “garra.” Garra is essentially a a well-defined a catch-all.
The word “flava” comes from the Latin word “flava,” which means “blonde” or, in some contexts, “yellow.” In Latin, atra means black.
Panda Garra aren’t catfish or loaches. Garra Flavatra is a species of cyprinid (minnow or carp) fish.
The species is quite small, typically reaching a maximum height of 2.5 to 3 inches (6 to 7 cm). Despite reports that some Panda Garra have reached a height of 4 inches (10 cm), I’ve never seen one this big before.
The majority of Garra species have few, insignificant markings and are nearly all brownish to blackish. Garra flavatra, on the other hand, is the only species in the genus with a pattern of contrasted dark brown vertical bars with yellowish interspaces. The fish typically have darker blotches and a lighter coloration overall.
This species has a disk-shaped lower lip made of modified adhesive. In nature, Panda Garra is able to maintain its position in waters with a rapid flow while still consuming biofilm and algae thanks to this form.
Panda Garra can live up to five to six years or slightly longer if an appropriate aquarium and optimal living conditions are provided for them.
II. You would love the fish because…
Panda Garra fish are not timid. In contrast, they prefer to spend most of their time out in the open looking for food and are very active fish. They also become very docile and quickly associate you with food. They will eventually eat from your hand and even chill in it.
Panda Garra are not considered to be schooling fish and can be kept alone in the tank, despite the fact that they also don’t mind being with their own species.
They love to chase each other in a playful way when they are alone, but they can sometimes act aggressively toward one another. It is a sign that they are irritated and ready to fight if you observe them begin to lose their black coloring and become more yellowish.
When they start pushing each other out of the territory, it’s more like a scuffle than a fight, which is a big word for it. Panda Garra do not pursue or harass the loser after the battle is won and they are not seen by the opponent. Additionally, they quickly return to their normal colors.
However, one advantage of them is that Panda Garra will not have any issues with other fish species. They simply have no concern for anyone. As a result, a community tank with non-aggressive and small fish species would do well with them.
Panda Garra are extremely active and constantly explore and scavenge throughout the tank’s levels.
III. Is this fish species peaceful or hostile?
A peaceful species.
IV. Species compatibility
- Barbs
- Endlers
- Tetras
- Royal Farlowella
- Albino Bristlenose Pleco
- Pygmy Cories
- Otocinclus Catfish
- Harlequin Rasboras
- Zebra Danio
- Medaka Ricefish
V. How to feed this species?
Panda garras are generally opportunistic and omnivorous. Bloodworms, tubifex worms, brine shrimp, chopped prawn, repashy, white worms, and sinking pellets and wafers are all acceptable to them.
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| Weight | 1 kg |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 15 × 20 × 30 cm |
| Family | Cyprinidae |
| Genus | Garra |
| Scientific Name | Garra flavatra |
| Common name | Garra Flavatra, |
| Tank size | 30 gallons for a small group |
| Special Diet | bloodworms, tubifex worms, brine shrimp, chopped prawn, repashy, white worms, and sinking pellets and wafers. |
| Environment | Freshwater |
| Native To | Rakhine mountain range in Western Myanmar |
| Care Level | Easy with the right set-up |
| Fish Max Length | 10cm (4" ) |
| Max water Temp | 25 °C |
| Min Water Temp | 21 °C |
| pH Max | 7.5 |
| pH Min | 7.4 |
| Sizes | small, medium, large |
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