Panda Garra

Looks how to spot one

Bottom-dwelling scaled minnow

A small, elongated fish with bold bands of black and yellow that vary in intensity between individuals. Its lower lip forms an adhesive disc for holding on to stones. Mature males are slimmer and grow small bumps on the head and tail base.12

Personality what they are like

Relatively peaceful with other species. Among its own kind it sorts out a pecking order, so a few individuals with space and hideouts works best.1

Daily activity how busy a day looks

A busy bottom forager that grazes rocks and substrate and enjoys some current.1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Clean water with regular changes and good oxygen. Water: about 22-27 C, pH 6.5-7.5, hardness about 2-12 dGH.1

Home where they are happiest

A tank of at least about 90 x 30 cm base (around 80 litres) with gravel, pebbles, smooth rocks and gentle flow, like the shallow, clear streams it comes from.1

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Omnivore. Offer sinking dried foods with vegetable content plus meaty items such as bloodworm, brine shrimp and chopped prawn, and the odd piece of fresh vegetable.1

Company who they like around

Best kept in a group of three or four or more if space allows.1

The story where it all began

Kullander and Fang described the species in 2004, and it reached the aquarium hobby in 2005. Since 2008 it has been bred commercially in Myanmar, helping supply the trade without relying on wild fish.13

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List

Vulnerable (assessed 2010).2