At a glance the quick version
Looks how to spot one
Bottom-dwelling scaled minnow
A small, elongated fish with bold bands of black and yellow that vary in intensity between individuals. Its lower lip forms an adhesive disc for holding on to stones. Mature males are slimmer and grow small bumps on the head and tail base.12
Personality what they are like
Relatively peaceful with other species. Among its own kind it sorts out a pecking order, so a few individuals with space and hideouts works best.1
Daily activity how busy a day looks
A busy bottom forager that grazes rocks and substrate and enjoys some current.1
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Clean water with regular changes and good oxygen. Water: about 22-27 C, pH 6.5-7.5, hardness about 2-12 dGH.1
Home where they are happiest
A tank of at least about 90 x 30 cm base (around 80 litres) with gravel, pebbles, smooth rocks and gentle flow, like the shallow, clear streams it comes from.1
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Omnivore. Offer sinking dried foods with vegetable content plus meaty items such as bloodworm, brine shrimp and chopped prawn, and the odd piece of fresh vegetable.1
Company who they like around
Best kept in a group of three or four or more if space allows.1
The story where it all began
Kullander and Fang described the species in 2004, and it reached the aquarium hobby in 2005. Since 2008 it has been bred commercially in Myanmar, helping supply the trade without relying on wild fish.13
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
It was only scientifically described in 2004, making it a recent addition to the hobby.3
- 2
Its lower lip is shaped into a sucking disc that lets it cling to stones.1
- 3
Commercial breeding began in Myanmar in 2008, helping protect wild populations.1
- 4
It is often called a loach in shops, but it is actually a member of the carp family.1
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Vulnerable (assessed 2010).2
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Panda Garra. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
- FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
- Water testevery week
- Glass cleanevery week
- Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Panda Garra?
Feed your Panda Garra small amounts once or twice a day. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests daily feeding, and you can adjust based on how much your fish eats in a few minutes.1 Pet Wiki plan
What does a Panda Garra eat, and what should it never eat?
As an omnivore, it enjoys sinking dried foods with vegetable content, plus meaty treats like bloodworm, brine shrimp, and chopped prawn, and occasional fresh veg. Avoid any foods that are not designed for aquarium fish, and never give it anything with added salt or spices.1
How much space does a Panda Garra need?
A tank with a base of at least 90 x 30 cm (around 80 litres) is recommended. This gives your Panda Garra room to graze and explore, especially if kept in a small group.1
What temperature, light or water does a Panda Garra need?
Keep the water temperature between 22-27°C, pH 6.5-7.5, and hardness 2-12 dGH. It enjoys a gentle current and clean, well-oxygenated water, so a filter and regular water changes are important.1
How often should I clean a Panda Garra's home?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a weekly water change of about 25% and a weekly glass clean. Rinse the filter in old tank water once a month. Always test the water weekly to keep conditions stable. Pet Wiki plan
Can a Panda Garra live with others?
Yes, it is relatively peaceful with other species. Among its own kind, keep a group of three or four or more with plenty of space and hideouts to sort out a pecking order.1
How long does a Panda Garra live?
Lifespan varies depending on care and environment. For specific information, ask a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet.
Can I handle a Panda Garra?
It is best not to handle your Panda Garra, as it is a delicate fish. It prefers to graze on rocks and substrate in its tank, and handling can cause stress or injury.1
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].
- Seriously Fish: Garra flavatra seriouslyfish.comused for origin, care, tank, water, diet, behaviour, description, history
- FishBase: Garra flavatra fishbase.seused for distribution, length, IUCN
- Wikipedia: Garra flavatra en.wikipedia.orgused for describers and year
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.