A highly active, beautifully patterned benthic (bottom-dwelling) fish native to the fast-flowing, highly oxygenated streams of Myanmar. They are excellent biofilm and algae grazers. While peaceful towards other species, they establish a strict, sometimes physical pecking order among themselves. They are notorious climbers and jumpers, requiring a tight-fitting lid.
Panda Garra At a Glance
Panda Garra Tank Requirements
Will Panda Garra fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Panda Garra needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Panda Garra against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Panda Garra Water Parameters
Panda Garra Temperament & Compatibility
Panda Garra Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard
The standard form available in the hobby. Can be kept singly, but if kept in a group, 4 or more are strictly required to disperse their conspecific aggression and territorial sparring.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Wild Type
Panda Garra Care Guide Summary
The Panda Garra, scientifically known as Garra flavatra, belongs to the Cyprinids family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 8 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as mostly peaceful, this species primarily occupies the bottom zone of the aquarium and produces a medium level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Panda Garra requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 80 litres and a tank length of at least 80 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 22°C and 27°C, with a pH range of 6.5–7.5 and a general hardness of 2–12 dGH. A high water flow is preferred.
The Panda Garra is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. The Panda Garra is typically available in one standard form.
Panda Garra Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Panda Garra, a high water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the bottom zone, the aquarium layout should prioritise sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include smooth gravel or rounded substrate to protect their sensitive barbels and an established tank with natural algae growth, as they depend on it as a primary food source. Keepers should note that a tight-fitting lid is essential, as this species is a known jumper.
Panda Garra Compatibility Notes
Classified as mostly peaceful, the Panda Garra is adaptable and can be kept singly or in a small group, offering flexibility when planning a community tank. When choosing tankmates, conspecific aggression can be intense, especially in smaller tanks, territorial behaviour may cause issues if hiding spots or floor space are limited, and their energetic swimming style may stress more sedentary or timid species. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the bottom zone can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Who Panda Garra Is Actually For
Panda Garra is best for a fishkeeper who wants a species that can settle into a calmer community setup and can provide a keeper who can commit to a proper group of at least 4. It makes the most sense for a hobbyist who will actually build around its needs, especially smooth gravel.
The most common mistake is buying Panda Garra for looks first and only later discovering how its adult size, behavior, or bioload changes the whole tank plan. Another frequent problem is underestimating its social needs. A token pair or trio often behaves very differently from a real group.
Panda Garra Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Panda Garra.
30 Gallon Breeder
40 Gallon Breeder
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
Show 12 more tank sizes
Frequently Asked Questions About Panda Garra
How big does Panda Garra get?
Panda Garra (Garra flavatra) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 8 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Panda Garra need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 80 litres and a tank length of at least 80 cm are recommended for Panda Garra. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Panda Garra need?
Panda Garra thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 22–27°C, a pH between 6.5 and 7.5, and a general hardness of 2–12 dGH. A high water flow is preferred.
Is Panda Garra peaceful or aggressive?
Panda Garra is classified as mostly peaceful with an aggression score of 3 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
Can Panda Garra live alone?
Yes, Panda Garra can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Does Panda Garra have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Panda Garra benefits from smooth gravel (sensitive barbels) and established algae (otocinclus) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Does Panda Garra need a lid on the tank?
Yes. Panda Garra is a known jumper, and a tight-fitting lid or cover is essential to prevent escape. Even a small gap can be enough for a determined fish to leap out.
Useful setup supplies
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Guidarium Editorial Desk
Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.
- Last reviewed
- April 28, 2026
- Last updated
- April 28, 2026
- Issues or corrections?
- Contact the editorial team
Top Tank Mates for Panda Garra
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Panda Garra based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Scissortail Rasbora
Rasbora trilineata
Ideal Tank MatesRosy Red Minnow / Fathead Minnow
Pimephales promelas
Ideal Tank MatesRose Danio
Danio roseus
Ideal Tank MatesSunset Platy (Variatus Platy)
Xiphophorus variatus
Ideal Tank MatesTiger Danio
Devario maetaengensis
Ideal Tank MatesWestern Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia australis
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Panda Garra
These plants pair well with Panda Garra based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
African Water Fern
Bolbitis heudelotii
Boivin's Aponogeton
Aponogeton boivinianus
Capuron's Aponogeton
Aponogeton capuronii
Madagascar Lace Plant
Aponogeton madagascariensis
African Onion Plant
Crinum calamistratum
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
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