Panda Garra - Garra Flavatra : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
The Panda Garra (Garra flavatra) stands out as one of the most colourful and captivating species within the Garra genus. Its unique appearance and lively behaviour have contributed to its recent surge in popularity among aquarium enthusiasts and fishkeeping hobbyists alike.
These active and entertaining little fish, with a maximum size of approximately eight to nine centimetres, are an excellent choice for the larger end of nano aquariums or larger community aquariums. Their dynamic presence and playful nature make them stand out, bringing activity and visual interest to your aquarium setup.
To enhance the social and behavioral well-being of the Panda Garra, it is advisable to house them either solitarily or in groups of five or more. Based on our experience with these fish, we have observed that they exhibit territorial and aggressive behaviours towards their own species when kept in smaller groups.
A larger group or individual housing mitigates this issue, promoting a more harmonious and stress-free environment for these captivating fish.
An ideal tank setup for Panda Garra includes a varied substrate comprising gravel, rocks, and pebbles, complemented by resilient plants like Cryptocoryne and Amazon Swords.
Prioritizing well-oxygenated, water conditions is key to their health and vitality. Notably, these fish are known to attempt escapes if their aquatic environment isn't optimal, making a secure, tight-fitting lid an essential feature of their habitat to ensure their safety and well-being.
While there is considerable variation in colouration among individual Panda Garras, they are characterized by vertical bars alternating between light and dark brown to black and red markings on their fins.
Overall, the Panda Garra is an excellent addition to any aquarium and is sure to delight any hobbyist with its unique appearance and behaviour.
Panda Garra Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Determining the gender of Panda Garra (Garra flavatra) can be quite challenging, especially before they reach sexual maturity, as they do not exhibit obvious sexual dimorphism at a young age. To accurately identify their gender, careful observation is required once they mature.
Adult male Panda Garras are known to develop distinct tubercles on their head, lateral line, and around the caudal peduncle during the breeding season. These males typically have a more slender build compared to females. On the other hand, female Panda Garras are generally plumper, a trait that becomes more noticeable when they are gravid.
While some sources suggest males may exhibit a bronze to reddish hue on their tails, this is not a universally reliable indicator of gender. Due to the subtleties in these differences, distinguishing between males and females often requires experience and may be challenging for those new to keeping this species.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Garra Flavatra |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 2004 |
| Other Names | Panda Loach, Banded Butterfly Loach, Rainbow Loach |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Cypriniformes |
| Family | Cyprinidae |
| Genus | Garra |
| Origins | Myanmar |
| Max Size | 8.8 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Bottom - Middle |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | No |
| Best kept as | Groups 5+ |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg Depositor |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 6 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 6.0 - 7.5 |
| GH | 2 - 12 |
| KH | 2 - 8 |
| ℉ | 71 - 81 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 21 - 27 |
Natural Habitat
The Panda Garra (Garra flavatra) finds its home in the diverse aquatic environments of Southeast Asia, particularly within the streams and rivers of the Rakhine state in western Myanmar. These fish thrive in the dynamic ecosystems provided by the Arakan and Rakhine Yoma mountain ranges.
Adapted to life in fast-flowing waters, Panda Garras are typically found in environments with strong currents and high oxygen levels. Their natural habitat consists of substrates rich in sand, gravel, pebbles, and rocks, offering them ample opportunities for foraging and adhering to surfaces, a behaviour facilitated by their unique physical adaptations.
Breeding
Panda Garra are intriguing in their breeding habits, though detailed, species-specific documentation is hard to come by. It is suggested that, like many fish, they might exhibit seasonal spawning patterns. In captivity, breeding setups often involve large tanks where adults are conditioned with a diet rich in nutrients, including live tubifex, chopped earthworms, and algae-based foods.
During the breeding phase, it is common for male fish of many species to develop distinctive physical changes like tubercles, and females often appear visibly gravid. Potential breeding pairs might be moved to smaller tanks with increased oxygenation and appropriate water flow in a controlled environment to encourage spawning.
Egg-laying and hatching times can vary, but a general guideline for fish eggs is to hatch within a day or two. The initial care for fry typically involves feeding specialized diets such as liquid fry food or finely ground egg yolk, progressing to newly hatched brine shrimp as they grow.
Diet & Feeding
Despite being known to graze on algae, the Panda Garra is an omnivore and requires a varied diet. It is recommended to provide them with a mix of meaty and plant-based foods. Meaty foods such as live or frozen artemia, bloodworm, chopped prawn and tubifex should be included in their diet, along with high-quality sinking wafers and pellets that contain a balance of vegetable matter like Spirulina. In addition to this, vegetables such as spinach, cucumber and melon can be offered as an occasional treat.
A balanced diet is essential to ensure these fish's long-term health and well-being; in our experience, these fish are not picky eaters and will readily accept most foods added to the aquarium.
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