Panda Garra

Last import date: 4/30/26
The Panda Garra (Garra flavatra) is a charming algae eater from the cool, fast-flowing streams of Myanmar. Striking black vertical bars across a creamy yellow body and bright orange-yellow finnage make it one of the more visually appealing algae-eating species in the hobby. Reaching about 3.5 inches, it stays smaller than a Siamese Algae Eater and has a much more peaceful temperament, making it a great alternative for community planted tanks.
Care Requirements: Prefers cooler, well-oxygenated water with moderate to strong flow. A sponge filter paired with a powerhead or strong canister return mimics their natural stream environment. Provide smooth river rocks, driftwood, and open swimming space. They will graze on soft algae and biofilm but should not be relied on as the sole cleanup, as they also need a varied diet of sinking pellets, blanched vegetables, and frozen foods.
Tankmates & Behavior: Peaceful and social. Best kept in groups of 5 or more, where they show natural shoaling behavior and dominance displays without real aggression. Excellent community fish alongside tetras, rasboras, danios, and Corydoras. Avoid keeping with aggressive bottom dwellers.
Parameters: Temperature: 68-77°F | pH: 6.5-7.5 | GH: 4-12 | Difficulty: Easy to Moderate