Rainbow Panda Loach Garra Flavatra 5cm

Overview

The Panda Garra, sold here as the Rainbow Panda Loach, is a chunky little algae grazer banded in dark brown and golden yellow with red fin edges, using a sucker-like mouth to cling to rock and glass. It is inquisitive and constantly on the move. Endemic to the Rakhine Yoma hills of western Myanmar, it suits well-filtered, mature community tanks.

• Adult Size: Around 9 cm (3.5 in)
• Lifespan: 5–8 years

Origin

• Native to: Rakhine Yoma mountains, western Myanmar
• Habitat: Clear, shallow hill streams over gravel and rock

Feeding

• Diet: Omnivorous grazer
• Preferred Foods: Algae wafers, sinking pellets, bloodworm, brine shrimp, blanched courgette, spinach
• Feeding Habits: Feed daily; grazes biofilm and algae between meals

Tank Mates

• Best with: Danios, rasboras, barbs, hillstream loaches, other active stream fish
• Avoid: Slow, long-finned fish, large aggressive species, single conspecifics

Aggression & Behaviour

• Temperament: Relatively peaceful
• Territoriality: Squabbles over grazing spots; keep three or more to diffuse it

Experience Level

• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Challenges: Needs a mature tank, highly oxygenated water, strong flow and grazing surfaces

Water Parameters

• Water Type: Freshwater, soft to moderately hard
• Temperature: 22–27°C (72–81°F)
• pH: 6.5–7.5
• Hardness: 2–12 dGH
• Flow: Strong, ten turnovers per hour
• Tank Size: Minimum 80 litres for a group of three or four

Final Notes

Despite the trade name, this is a Garra rather than a true loach and it comes from Myanmar, not Madagascar. It can climb glass and will escape, so a tight-fitting cover is essential. Set up a stream-style tank with smooth rocks, a powerhead or spray bar and plenty of light to grow algae, and never add it to an immature aquarium. In a small group it becomes a bold, tame character.