Species profile
Panda Garra
Garra flavatra
Peaceful
Moderate care
200 L minimum aquarium
7–10 cm adult size
Bottom–mid
Minimum group: 5
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Group size corrected from solitary to five or more; specialist husbandry calls for a 120 cm tank and vigorous flow.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
18–26 °C
pH
6.5–7.5
GH
5–15 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
High
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 5
Tank zone
Bottom–mid
Territory level
Moderate
Predation risk
None
Bioload factor
1.5
Relatively sociable for a Garra but establishes a hierarchy; keep a group of five or more with visual breaks.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
200 L
Minimum footprint
120 × 40 cm
Accepted scientific name
Garra flavatra
Native range
Myanmar, particularly the Rakhine Yoma/Arakan region.
Natural habitat
Fast, highly oxygenated rocky streams rich in biofilm. Use a mature 120 cm+ river-style tank with powerful flow, smooth rocks and a secure lid.
Diet & feeding
Aufwuchs/biofilm grazer that also requires meaty foods; do not treat it as an algae-only utility fish.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Mature males may develop stronger head tubercles and a slimmer profile; differences can be subtle.
Breeding
Routine home-aquarium breeding is not well established.