Panda Garra

Descrição

Garra flavatra, commonly known as the Panda Garra, is a small, benthic freshwater fish belonging to the family Cyprinidae. It is highly sought after in the aquarium trade due to its striking coloration and active, algae-grazing behavior. This species exhibits a distinctive pattern of dark bands on a lighter body, reminiscent of a panda, which gives it its common name. They are known for their specialized oral disc, which allows them to adhere to surfaces in fast-flowing water and scrape off biofilm and algae.

Características físicas

Formato do corpo

elongated

Coloração

The body is typically a light tan to yellowish-brown base color, overlaid with 3-5 prominent, broad, dark brown to black vertical bands or saddles. The fins are often translucent or slightly yellowish, sometimes with dark markings. The caudal fin can have a reddish or orange tint, especially in mature males. The ventral surface is usually lighter.

Tipo de escama

cycloid

Posição da boca

inferior

Características distintivas

Prominent dark vertical bands on a lighter body, resembling a panda., Specialized oral disc (sucker mouth) on the ventral side of the head, equipped with keratinized tubercles for scraping algae and adhering to surfaces., A pair of small barbels at the corners of the mouth., Relatively small size, typically reaching 6-8 cm (2.4-3.1 inches) in total length.

Nadadeira dorsal

Single, relatively tall dorsal fin, typically with 8-9 branched rays. Often has a dark blotch at the base or along the rays.

Nadadeira caudal

Forked caudal fin, often with a reddish or orange hue, especially in males.

Nadadeira peitoral

Large, horizontally oriented pectoral fins, adapted for gripping surfaces in strong currents.

Nadadeiras características

Pelvic fins are also horizontally oriented and contribute to the adhesive function. Anal fin is small and located posteriorly.

Dicas de identificação

Habitat

Tipo de água

freshwater

Profundidade

Shallow to moderate depths, typically in riffles and runs of rivers and streams.

Ambiente

Found in clear, highly oxygenated, fast-flowing mountain streams and rivers with rocky or gravelly substrates. They prefer areas with abundant biofilm and algae growth on submerged rocks and wood. The water is typically cool and well-aerated.

Distribuição geográfica

Endemic to Myanmar (Burma), specifically found in the Rakhine Yoma mountain range, primarily in the upper reaches of the Kyeintali Chaung and other coastal drainages.

Informações sobre aquário

• Nível de cuidado: intermediate
• Temperamento: peaceful
• Alimentação: omnivore
• Tamanho mínimo do aquário: 20 gallons (75 liters)
• Temperatura: 20-25°C (68-77°F)
• Nível de pH: 6.5-7.5
• Dureza da água: 5-15 dGH
• Compatibilidade: Generally compatible with other peaceful, similarly sized fish that prefer similar water parameters. Avoid highly aggressive or very large tank mates. Good tank mates include various tetras, rasboras, danios, and other small, peaceful bottom dwellers.
• Requisitos especiais: Requires a well-oxygenated tank with strong water flow, mimicking its natural riverine habitat. Abundant smooth rocks, driftwood, and a fine sand or small gravel substrate are beneficial. Live plants are appreciated, but ensure they are robust enough to withstand some grazing. Excellent filtration is crucial to maintain pristine water quality. They are social fish and should be kept in groups of 5 or more to encourage natural behaviors and reduce stress.

Informações no ambiente natural

• Estado de conservação: least concern
• Sazonalidade: Breeding in the wild is likely tied to seasonal rainfall and water flow changes, but specific details are not well-documented. Available year-round in the aquarium trade, primarily through captive breeding and some wild collection.
• Preço de mercado: Moderate
• Importância comercial: medium
• Sabor: Not typically consumed
• Textura: Not typically consumed
• Valor nutricional: Not typically consumed

Fatos principais

Espécies similares

Classificação científica

Reino

Animalia

Filo

Chordata

Classe

Actinopterygii

Ordem

Cypriniformes

Família

Cyprinidae

Gênero

Garra

Espécie

flavatra

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