Panda Garra

Garra flavatra

Panda Garra (Garra flavatra) — Varies care, Peaceful, under Other. Minimum tank in the app: 26 US gal min; aim for 72–81°F and pH 6.5–7.5. The Panda Garra appeals to aquarists interested in an adaptable, mid-water swimmer that brings unique dynamics to a community tank.

Panda Garra (Garra flavatra) in a planted freshwater aquarium
Care levelVaries
TemperamentPeaceful
Min tank size26 US gal min
pH range6.5–7.5
Temperature72–81°F
Max size3.5 in (9.0 cm)
Captive lifespan5–10 years
SchoolingNo

Captive lifespan reflects typical experience in a home aquarium, not maximum recorded age; genetics, sourcing, and care vary.

Natural distribution

Asia

  • East & Southeast Asia

Regional colours match the stocking calculator’s origin map.

Panda Garra Tank Setup

Create a balanced environment with both open swimming areas and ample cover, such as plants and driftwood, to provide retreat options. A substrate that allows for natural foraging behavior is ideal, while moderate lighting can help reduce stress and encourage natural behaviors. Flow should be gentle to accommodate their mid-water swimming preference without overwhelming them.

What Do Panda Garras Eat?

As omnivores, Panda Garra will happily accept a varied diet, but competition can arise during feeding. Fast feeders may outcompete them if not monitored, potentially leading to stress.

Panda Garra Tank Mates

Best suited with similarly sized species that share a mid-water activity zone and possess a non-confrontational nature, such as certain tetras or rasboras. Caution is advised with fin-nipping species or overly aggressive tank mates, as the Panda Garra's semi-aggressive nature can lead to conflicts. Intraspecies aggression is minimal if space is adequate, but overcrowding or lack of structure can increase tensions.

Are Panda Garras Good for Beginners?

Care demand varies with setup and individual fish; use the numbers above as your baseline. Aquarists often underestimate the Panda Garra's territorial instincts or fail to provide sufficient cover, leading to stress and aggression. Overcrowding can exacerbate these issues, resulting in a decline in health and wellbeing.

Building a community? Run the full list through the stocking calculator before you add anything else.

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