Panda Garra

Name: Panda Garra
Brand: Apex Aquatic
Price: 60.0 AUD
Availability: InStock

$60.00

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Every fish passes through our dedicated quarantine system and strict biosecurity monitoring before sale - so it arrives healthy, settled and ready to thrive. How we quarantine →

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Description

About Panda Garra

Panda Garra is a distinctive freshwater algae-grazing fish known for its bold black-and-yellow banded pattern, rounded body and active behaviour. It is an excellent choice for aquariums with plenty of rock, driftwood and natural surfaces to graze.

Also known as the Panda Garra or Burmese Garra, Garra flavatra is a peaceful species that spends much of its time exploring hardscape and scraping biofilm and algae from surfaces.

They appreciate well-oxygenated water with good circulation and plenty of smooth rocks, driftwood and other surfaces to investigate. Although they are often sold as algae eaters, they should not be expected to survive solely on aquarium algae and should receive supplementary foods.

Panda Garra can be kept individually or in groups. When kept together, they may establish small territories and interact with one another, creating entertaining natural behaviour.

Their unusual markings and active personality make them a fantastic addition to a planted community aquarium.

Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name: Garra flavatra
Common Name: Panda Garra / Panda Algae Eater
Type: Freshwater Algae Grazer
Adult Size: Approximately 7–9 cm
Temperament: Peaceful to Semi-Territorial
Care Level: Easy to Intermediate
Minimum Aquarium: 75 L+
Temperature: 20–26°C
pH: 6.5–7.5
Water Hardness: Soft to Moderately Hard
Diet: Omnivore / Algae & Biofilm Grazer
Tank Level: Bottom to Midwater
Suitable For: Planted aquariums, community tanks, river-style aquariums and algae-conscious setups

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Panda Garra eat algae?

Yes. They naturally graze on algae and biofilm growing on rocks, glass, driftwood and other surfaces. However, algae alone is not a complete diet, so supplementary feeding is important.

Are Panda Garra peaceful?

Generally yes. They are peaceful community fish, although individuals can occasionally establish small territories and chase one another.

Can Panda Garra be kept in groups?

Yes. They can be kept individually or in groups. Groups can display interesting social interactions when the aquarium provides enough space and hiding areas.

What do Panda Garra eat?

Offer algae-based foods, sinking pellets, wafers and vegetables such as blanched zucchini or cucumber. They will also graze naturally on biofilm and algae.

Are Panda Garra suitable for planted tanks?

Yes. They are excellent additions to planted aquariums, particularly those with rocks and driftwood that provide plenty of grazing surfaces.

Common Mistakes

Expecting algae to provide all their food
Supplement their diet even if the aquarium contains plenty of algae.

Keeping them in poor oxygenation
Panda Garra appreciate well-oxygenated water and good circulation.

Not providing grazing surfaces
Rocks, driftwood and other surfaces encourage natural grazing behaviour.

Keeping too many in a small aquarium
Individuals can become territorial, so provide adequate space and visual barriers.

Over-cleaning the aquarium
Removing every trace of algae and biofilm eliminates an important natural food source.

Shipping & delivery

This product is for in-store purchase only. Available for in-store pickup.

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Returns

We stand behind everything we sell. If something is not right, get in touch and we will make it right. See our returns policy for the details.

Care & quarantine

This fish has been through our dedicated quarantine system and is feeding, settled and health-checked before sale. We still recommend acclimating slowly and quarantining new additions at home. Our team is happy to talk you through the right setup - just ask.

How we quarantine →