Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Live Plant Safe: With Caution
General Description: The Panda Garra is native to flowing streams of Myanmar. An attractive species that isn’t difficult to keep in a well-maintained system, the Panda garra has a stubby-like body with interchanging dark and yellow bands. There is considerable variation in this color pattern, and the extent of how yellow individuals can be. One Panda garra per aquarium is best unless the aquarium is large enough to accomodate multiple individuals; all individuals should also be introduced at once if attempting this because they develop a hierarchical “pecking” order. An adult Panda garra can reach a size of approximately 3.5″.
Diet Requirements: Contrary to popular belief, Panda garras are omnivores rather than strict herbivores or algae eaters. A greater proportion of its diet should be plant-based, such as Spirulina or vegetable-based sinking pellet foods. Offering blanched pieces of zucchini and cucumber would be an excellent treat. High quality proteins should also be offered, such as frozen bloodworms or brine shrimp. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your fish.
Care Requirements: An established minimum 20 gallon aquarium is ideal for a small Panda Garra, though a 30 gallon may be more suitable. Panda garras are intolerable of nitrite or ammonia spikes, and should not be added into a brand new aquarium given that their food source would be obsolete. Biweekly or weekly water changes are encouraged to keep water parameters pristine (Nitrates < 15 ppm), as Panda garra cannot withstand deteriorating water parameters. The aquarium should be aquascaped with a fine substrate, larger pebble stones and driftwood to replicate a river or stream environment. A brighter or more intense light is encouraged, such as one that would be on a live planted aquarium, as it grows beneficial film that Panda garras can feed off of. Panda garra will not typically eat your live plants, though some accidential damage to soft-leaved plants has been observed. Recommended water conditions, 74-78° F, KH 6-10, pH 6.5-7.5.
Purchase Size: Medium: 1-1/4” to 1-1/2”
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.
