Panda Garra

The panda garra (Garra flavatra) is a strikingly patterned cyprinid endemic to the Rakhine Yoma mountain range in Rakhine State, western Myanmar. It was scientifically described as recently as 2004 by Kullander and Fang and became available to the aquarium hobby the following year, quickly gaining popularity among enthusiasts. This species inhabits shallow, clear streams and rivers with substrates of gravel, pebbles, and rocks, where seasonal monsoon rains cause significant variation in water levels. It is traded under various names including 'panda garra', 'clown garra', 'banded butterfly garra', and 'rainbow garra', and is sometimes incorrectly referred to as a loach.

Reaching 7–9 cm (2.8–3.5 in) in standard length, the panda garra displays a distinctive colour pattern of alternating black and yellowish-orange bands across the body, resembling that of a panda bear. Males develop noticeable tubercules on the head and along the lateral line when sexually mature and tend to be slimmer in body than females. A minimum tank size of 80 L (21 gal) with base dimensions of at least 90 × 30 cm is recommended. This species appreciates clean, well-oxygenated water with turnover exceeding 10 times per hour, and a tightly-fitting cover is essential as it can literally climb glass.

In the aquarium, the panda garra is relatively peaceful and best maintained in groups of 3–4 or more to spread intra-species aggression, as solitary individuals tend to behave more aggressively toward similarly-shaped tankmates. The diet should include both meaty foods such as live or frozen bloodworm, Artemia, and chopped prawn alongside good quality sinking dried products with vegetable content, plus occasional fresh vegetables. Water temperature should be 22–27°C, pH 6.5–7.5, with hardness of 36–215 ppm. This species has been successfully bred commercially in Myanmar since 2008, spawning during May to July.