© Graf zu Pappenheim / CC BY-SA 4.0Panda garra
The Panda garra is a small garra from mountain streams in western Myanmar. Its bold yellow-and-black banding is reminiscent of a panda, which gives it a striking look in the aquarium. It uses a sucker-like mouth to graze algae and slime from stones, but it also readily eats animal foods. Adults reach a standard length of about 6.2 cm (FishBase) to 9 cm (Seriously Fish), depending on the source. Because it comes from flowing hill streams, water quality and current matter, and it is rated as suitable for intermediate keepers. Its lifespan is poorly documented.
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Apply as a breederPanda garra key facts
- Care level
- Intermediate
- Lifespan
- Few reliable data
- Size
- 6.2 cm SL (FishBase) to 9 cm SL (Seriously Fish)
- Temperature
- 22〜27℃
- Diet
- Omnivore (algae, sinking prepared foods, frozen foods)
- Water Temperature & Quality
- 22-27°C, pH 6.5-7.5, 2-12 dGH (Seriously Fish); habitat pH 6.9-7.1. Stable water is essential, so never add it to an immature tank.
- Aquarium
- Seriously Fish suggests a 90 x 30 cm footprint. Recreate a stream with rocks, gravel and wood, with good flow and oxygen. It climbs glass, so fit a gap-free lid.
- Tank Mates & Compatibility
- Fairly peaceful but not very tolerant of its own kind; single fish can harass similarly shaped species, so keep three or four or more if space allows. Suits peaceful stream fish.
- Diet & Feeding
- It grazes algae but also needs meaty foods (bloodworm, Artemia, chopped prawn) and sinking foods with plant content such as spirulina; cucumber or blanched spinach occasionally.
- Breeding & Egg-laying
- Bred seasonally by an exporter in Myanmar, but home-aquarium breeding is poorly documented.
- Health & Cautions
- Relying on it purely as an algae grazer leads to underfeeding; always provide meaty foods.
About Panda garra
Panda garra profile: a Myanmar stream fish with bold yellow-and-black bands, about 6.2 to 9 cm standard length, and intermediate difficulty. Learn about diet, tank setup and what to know before bringing one home.
7 things to know before welcoming a Panda garra
1Intermediate level
The Panda garra is rated as suitable for intermediate keepers. Because it comes from flowing streams, stable water quality and current are important. It is best to bring one home after you are comfortable with basic tropical fish care.
2Adult size
Adult standard length is given as 6.2 cm by FishBase and 9 cm by Seriously Fish, so sources differ. Individuals vary too, so it is safer to choose a tank on the assumption that it may reach about 9 cm.
3Give it some flow
This fish lives in hill streams, so provide water movement and good oxygenation. Stagnant water makes it harder for the fish to show its natural behavior. In summer, take care that the water temperature does not climb too high.
4Stones and shelter
It presses its sucker-like mouth against stones and driftwood to graze algae and slime. Use rocks and wood with some surface texture, and add hiding places so the fish can settle in comfortably.
5Algae and animal foods
It eats not only algae and slime from stones but also animal foods. Offer a balanced mix of plant-based and animal-based foods. Remove leftovers promptly, since uneaten food can degrade water quality.
6Watch tankmates
Temperament and compatibility vary between individuals. It may compete for space with its own kind or with other fish that use the bottom and the areas around stones. Introduce tankmates gradually and provide layouts with plenty of escape routes.
7Lifespan and health
Lifespan is poorly documented and not well established. When choosing a fish, check for body injuries, fin condition and whether it is feeding, and acclimate it slowly after arrival. It also helps to ask the seller about the rearing environment and foods used.
Frequently asked questions about Panda garra
- Q.How big does a Panda garra get?
- A.Adult standard length is given as 6.2 cm (FishBase) to 9 cm (Seriously Fish), depending on the source. Individuals vary, so it is wise to choose a tank with some room to spare.
- Q.Can beginners keep Panda garra?
- A.It is rated as suitable for intermediate keepers. As a stream fish it needs attention to water quality and current, so it is best to get comfortable with basic tropical fish care first.
- Q.What does a Panda garra eat?
- A.It grazes algae and slime from stones with its sucker-like mouth, but it also readily eats animal foods. Offer both plant-based and animal-based foods, and remove any leftovers.
- Q.How long does a Panda garra live?
- A.Lifespan is poorly documented, so no reliable figure is available. Keeping conditions stable and observing the fish regularly is the best approach.
- Q.Where is it from, and how does it look?
- A.It is a garra from mountain streams in western Myanmar. Its bold yellow-and-black banding is reminiscent of a panda.
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Care difficulty, lifespan, size and diet — all basics covered.
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