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Panda Garra

By The Aquarium Calculators Editorial Team ·

Garra flavatra

Complete Panda Garra care guide covering omnivore diet requirements, peaceful temperament, minimum 20 Gallons tank setup, and compatible freshwater tankmates. Difficulty: Easy.

Panda Garra

Quick Answer

Panda Garra (Garra flavatra) is a striking, small cyprinid from Myanmar. It requires a minimum 20 Gallons aquarium with a pH of 6.5 - 7.5 and temperature range of 22-26°C. This omnivore occupies the bottom zone and makes an excellent addition to community setups.

Intro

Panda Garra (Garra flavatra) is a striking, small cyprinid from Myanmar. Its black and yellow bands resemble a panda's pattern. It is an active algae grazer.

Setup

A 20-gallon or longer tank with smooth rocks, driftwood, and moderate current. They need well-oxygenated water and good filtration.

Feeding

Omnivorous; eats algae, biofilm, sinking pellets, algae wafers, blanched vegetables, and occasional frozen foods.

Compatibility

Peaceful but can be territorial with its own kind. Keep in groups of 3+. Good with barbs, danios, rainbowfish, and loaches. Avoid aggressive bottom-dwellers.

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Tank Position
Bottom
Water Temp
22-26°C
Adult Size
See profile
Water pH
6.5 - 7.5

Species Characteristics

Adult Size
Lifespan
Growth Rate
moderate
Tank Compatibility
Community compatible
Indoor Aquarium
Yes

Water Parameters

Water Temperature
Humidity
Water pH

Tank Lighting

Tank Lighting
Standard lighting
Light Hours
N/A
Intensity
moderate

Feeding & Diet

Diet Type
Diet: Omnivore
Feeding Schedule
N/A
Live Food Options
N/A

Continue Learning

Recommended Tools

Fish Compatibility Calculator fish compatibility

Health & Disease

Ich (White Spot Disease) common disease • all fish

Related Guides

Understanding pH in Aquariums water parameters • ph

Similar Species

African Red Eyed Tetra Care Guide: Schooling & Tank Size semanticSimilarity Apistogramma Care Guide: Temperament & Diet semanticSimilarity Banded Corydoras Care Guide: Substrate & Diet semanticSimilarity

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Panda Garras should be kept together?
Maintain a group of 4 to 6 individuals in a tank of at least 20 gallons (75 liters) with a footprint of 30x12 inches (75x30 cm). Panda garras (Garra flavatra) are social bottom-dwellers that establish a minor social structure; provide multiple hiding rocks to reduce minor squabbling. Groups under 3 cause stress. A school of 8+ displays natural grazing behavior on rocks. Provide smooth river stones, high water flow (10x turnover), and strong aeration. Avoid with territorial bottom feeders (large plecos).
What are the exact water parameters for Panda Garras?
Target pH 6.5 - 7.5, General Hardness 5 - 12 dGH, Carbonate Hardness 4 - 10 dKH, Total Dissolved Solids 100 - 250 ppm, Electrical Conductivity 200 - 500 μS/cm, and temperature 68°F - 75°F (20°C - 24°C). They prefer high water turnover rates (15x turnover), rich oxygenation loops, and clean river stones. Maintain nitrates below 15 ppm with weekly 25% water changes. Use a canister filter with spray bar or powerheads. Provide smooth gravel or sand. High temperatures above 78°F (25.5°C) cause oxygen depletion.
What is the dietary and medication protocol for Panda Garras?
They are active omnivorous grazers requiring 50% biofilm/algae, 30% protein, 20% plant matter. They clean flat rock surfaces of biofilm. Feed sinking pellets, algae tabs, spirulina wafers, and frozen bloodworms daily. Supplement with blanched zucchini. Medication alert: Tolerate copper (0.15 mg/L) but sensitive to formalin. Scaleless; use malachite green at quarter dose (0.025 mg/L). Praziquantel is safe. Avoid salt (tolerance <3 ppt). Quarantine with metronidazole at half-strength.
How to breed Panda Garras in captivity?
Breeding is rare. Condition a group of 6-8 with high-protein foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp) for 4 weeks. Simulate rainy season: Lower temperature to 65°F (18°C), perform 50% water change with cool soft water over 3 hours, increase water flow. Provide smooth flat rocks. Spawning occurs on rocks; female lays 100-300 adhesive eggs. Male guards eggs for 3-5 days at 70°F (21°C). Eggs hatch; fry are 0.15 inches (4 mm) and accept algae wafers and baby brine shrimp immediately. Remove male after hatch. Grow-out requires strong water flow and biofilm-covered rocks.

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