Panda Garra Algae Eater (Garra flavatra)

The Panda Garra is a colorful and energetic algae eater, perfect for aquarists looking for both utility and beauty. With its dark brown-to-black body adorned with golden or orange banding and a sucker-like mouth, Garra flavatra is uniquely adapted for clinging to rocks and grazing on algae in high-flow environments.

Highly adaptable and hardy, this species is perfect for well-maintained community tanks and bio-topes that mimic fast-flowing streams. It does best with a mature setup that includes smooth stones, wood, and plenty of algae or biofilm to graze on.

Also Known As: Algae Eater Garra, Rainbow Garra
Scientific Name: Garra flavatra
Adult Size: 3.5–4 inches
Origin: Western Myanmar – fast-flowing streams of the Rakhine Yoma region
Temperament: Generally peaceful but semi-territorial, especially toward conspecifics
Tank Size: 20+ gallons (30+ gallons recommended for groups)
Water Conditions:

• Fun Facts:

  • Despite being called an “algae eater,” Panda Garra has a varied diet and enjoys supplemental feedings of veggies and protein-rich foods.

  • Its vibrant colors intensify with age and good care—especially when kept in groups.

  • Known to interact playfully with tankmates and even follow your finger along the glass!

  • Can be a great addition to a river-style aquascape with strong current and polished stones.

  • Temperature: 72–80°F (22–27°C)

  • pH: 6.5–7.5

  • Hardness: 5–12 dGH

  • Flow: Moderate to high; thrives in well-oxygenated water

   

  Diet:
  Omnivorous—grazes on algae and biofilm but thrives on a varied diet of sinking wafers, blanched vegetables, frozen foods, and high-quality pellets.

  Compatibility:
  Peaceful with most community fish but may spar (non-aggressively) with its own kind over territory. Best kept singly or in a group of 5+ to diffuse dominance behavior.