Freshwater
Garra
More details
Panitvong’s Garra (Garra panitvongi)
Pro
Pro
Description
Garra panitvongi is a boldly patterned, bottom-dwelling species known for its sucker-like mouth and active grazing behavior. Native to clear hill streams of Thailand, it's a peaceful algae grazer that adds motion and ecological function to well-oxygenated community tanks.
Difficulty Level
Intermediate Care
Region
Panitvong’s Garra (Garra panitvongi)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Thrives in well-oxygenated tanks with moderate flow and algae or biofilm access.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Wild-caught individuals exist, though captive breeding is increasing. Responsible sourcing supports sustainability.
Origin
Endemic to upland rivers and streams in Thailand’s Mae Klong and Khwae Noi basins. Prefers fast-flowing, oxygen-rich rocky habitats.
Visual & Behavioral Appeal
Features a mottled black and cream banding across the body and fins, with a squat, torpedo shape. Uses a modified lower lip to cling to surfaces in current. Constantly grazes, contributing to naturalistic movement in aquascapes.
Purpose
Functions as an efficient algae and biofilm grazer, especially on hardscape surfaces. Adds foraging behavior and diversity to river-style setups. Its unique movement provides visual texture along the substrate.
Importance
Ideal for aquascapers aiming to balance biofilm and algae naturally. More peaceful and communal than many other Garra species. Rarely disturbs tankmates or uproots plants.
Included Resources
Requires moderate to high flow, strong aeration, and access to biofilm or supplemental food. Rounded stones, driftwood, and moss help promote natural foraging behavior. Prefers sandy or smooth substrates.
Best Use Cases
Excellent for hillstream and river biotopes, community aquariums with rasboras, danios, or loaches. Especially suitable for Southeast Asian aquascapes focused on flow and algae balance.
Conservation Context
Locally restricted in distribution. Ethical sourcing from breeders is essential to protect wild populations and habitat integrity.
Ideal Aquatic Species
• Hillstream loaches
• White Cloud Mountain minnows
• Danios (esp. zebra or glowlight)
• Peaceful barbs
• Amano shrimp
Region (A)
• Latitude: 15.2389° N
• Longitude: 99.4881° E
(Khwae Noi River, western Thailand)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 13.9420° N
• Longitude: 99.8173° E
(Mae Klong basin, Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Panitvong’s Garra (Garra panitvongi)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Thrives in well-oxygenated tanks with moderate flow and algae or biofilm access.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Wild-caught individuals exist, though captive breeding is increasing. Responsible sourcing supports sustainability.
Origin
Endemic to upland rivers and streams in Thailand’s Mae Klong and Khwae Noi basins. Prefers fast-flowing, oxygen-rich rocky habitats.
Visual & Behavioral Appeal
Features a mottled black and cream banding across the body and fins, with a squat, torpedo shape. Uses a modified lower lip to cling to surfaces in current. Constantly grazes, contributing to naturalistic movement in aquascapes.
Purpose
Functions as an efficient algae and biofilm grazer, especially on hardscape surfaces. Adds foraging behavior and diversity to river-style setups. Its unique movement provides visual texture along the substrate.
Importance
Ideal for aquascapers aiming to balance biofilm and algae naturally. More peaceful and communal than many other Garra species. Rarely disturbs tankmates or uproots plants.
Included Resources
Requires moderate to high flow, strong aeration, and access to biofilm or supplemental food. Rounded stones, driftwood, and moss help promote natural foraging behavior. Prefers sandy or smooth substrates.
Best Use Cases
Excellent for hillstream and river biotopes, community aquariums with rasboras, danios, or loaches. Especially suitable for Southeast Asian aquascapes focused on flow and algae balance.
Conservation Context
Locally restricted in distribution. Ethical sourcing from breeders is essential to protect wild populations and habitat integrity.
Ideal Aquatic Species
• Hillstream loaches
• White Cloud Mountain minnows
• Danios (esp. zebra or glowlight)
• Peaceful barbs
• Amano shrimp
Region (A)
• Latitude: 15.2389° N
• Longitude: 99.4881° E
(Khwae Noi River, western Thailand)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 13.9420° N
• Longitude: 99.8173° E
(Mae Klong basin, Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Panitvong’s Garra (Garra panitvongi)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Thrives in well-oxygenated tanks with moderate flow and algae or biofilm access.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Wild-caught individuals exist, though captive breeding is increasing. Responsible sourcing supports sustainability.
Origin
Endemic to upland rivers and streams in Thailand’s Mae Klong and Khwae Noi basins. Prefers fast-flowing, oxygen-rich rocky habitats.
Visual & Behavioral Appeal
Features a mottled black and cream banding across the body and fins, with a squat, torpedo shape. Uses a modified lower lip to cling to surfaces in current. Constantly grazes, contributing to naturalistic movement in aquascapes.
Purpose
Functions as an efficient algae and biofilm grazer, especially on hardscape surfaces. Adds foraging behavior and diversity to river-style setups. Its unique movement provides visual texture along the substrate.
Importance
Ideal for aquascapers aiming to balance biofilm and algae naturally. More peaceful and communal than many other Garra species. Rarely disturbs tankmates or uproots plants.
Included Resources
Requires moderate to high flow, strong aeration, and access to biofilm or supplemental food. Rounded stones, driftwood, and moss help promote natural foraging behavior. Prefers sandy or smooth substrates.
Best Use Cases
Excellent for hillstream and river biotopes, community aquariums with rasboras, danios, or loaches. Especially suitable for Southeast Asian aquascapes focused on flow and algae balance.
Conservation Context
Locally restricted in distribution. Ethical sourcing from breeders is essential to protect wild populations and habitat integrity.
Ideal Aquatic Species
• Hillstream loaches
• White Cloud Mountain minnows
• Danios (esp. zebra or glowlight)
• Peaceful barbs
• Amano shrimp
Region (A)
• Latitude: 15.2389° N
• Longitude: 99.4881° E
(Khwae Noi River, western Thailand)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 13.9420° N
• Longitude: 99.8173° E
(Mae Klong basin, Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Panitvong’s Garra (Garra panitvongi)
Region
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