Garra flavatra (Rainbow Garra)

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A typical Garra in shape with a fusiform body and robust head equipped with a sucker-like mouth. Body is marked with alternating dark and mid brown vertical bands. A scattering of dark grey scales are present on the flanks, particularly the back half of the body. The fins are grey and edged with white. The anal fin is red. A superb species for the aquarist prepared to set up an aquarium with the cool, well-filtered environment these fish need.

Fish information (behaviour and breeding):

Basic care similar to other members of the genus. Feeds on aufwuchs in the wild, but in aquaria a mix of green algae and small invertebrates will do. Cannot be kept as a "scavenger" and will need deliberate feedings of green foods such as algae wafers and pellets. Inhabits fast-flowing mountain streams where it spends its life close to rocks and boulders hiding from the strongest currents. Provide similar conditions in the aquarium, with very clean, well oxygenated water maintained at a slightly lower than normal temperature. House with species from similar environments, such as danios, golden barbs and Scleromystax barbatus. Basically peaceful, though specimens may be territorial among themselves.