Panda Garra Fish
The freshwater panda garra is part goby, part algae eater. Also called the Burmese banded loach, or panda goby, these fish come from small streams in Myanmar and are infrequently imported to the United States aquarium trade. The panda garra grows to just under four inches and will not bother other fish, though they will eat decorative tiny shrimp. Known as herbivores, panda garras actually consume a bit of everything and will move small pebbles and sand around in their search for food. Garras are not true gobies, but it is the closest family they will ever have.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Garra flavatra |
|---|---|
| Origin | Rakhine (Arakan) region, Myanmar |
| Care Level | Easy |
| Size | Under 4 inches |
| Diet | Herbivorous, omnivorous (eats algae, small pebbles, sand, and tiny shrimp) |
FAQ
What is the typical size of a panda garra?
The panda garra grows to just under four inches in length.
Where do panda garras originate from?
They originate from the Rakhine (Arakan) region of Myanmar.
Do panda garras pose a threat to other fish in the tank?
No, panda garras do not bother other fish, though they may eat small decorative shrimp.
Amanda Ellison –
I’ve had my panda garra for three months now and it’s very active and peaceful. It spends most of its time near the substrate, sifting through sand and pebbles. It doesn’t eat much from the algae wafers I offer, but it does seem to enjoy the plant matter. The fish is calm and doesn’t stress other tank mates. A great addition to a community tank.
Stephanie MacDonald –
The panda garra is a unique and interesting fish. It’s not aggressive and blends well with other species. I noticed it moves the sand occasionally, which is a fun behavior. I feed it a mix of algae wafers and sinking pellets. It’s a bit shy at first but settles in quickly.
Zoe Morgan –
I was hesitant to add a fish that might eat shrimp, but the panda garra only nibbles on tiny shrimp and doesn’t consume them completely. It’s very active and keeps the tank clean by eating algae and moving the substrate. I love its appearance and the way it interacts with the environment.