Species profile

Spotted Garra

Garra spilota

Common names: Spotted Garra

Recognized speciesGarras

Send Us A photo, be a contributor :)

Adult size

Up to 6.9 cm

Countries of origin

Good fit for your tank?

Good fit for

A peaceful community tank with similar-sized fish
A mature, stable aquarium

Think carefully if

You only want to keep one or two, because this fish needs a group of 5 or more
Your tank is newly set up

A small, spotted garra from Myanmar that grazes on rocks. Keep a group of at least 5 in 81 litres or more.

Appearance and Identification

A small, spotted garra from Myanmar that grazes on rocks. It needs strong flow and plenty of oxygen, and it has been recorded only rarely in the trade.

Check the scientific name when buying, as common names vary between sellers and countries.

Females are often rounder. Males of some species develop bumps on the snout.

Tank Requirements

Suggested filter: About 320–410 litres an hour
Suggested heater: About 75–125 W for this tank
Minimum tank volume: 81 litres
Minimum tank length: 90 cm
Minimum group size: 5
Recommended group size: 8
Activity level: Active
Flow preference: High
Planting preference: Lightly planted
Hiding places: Yes
Lid recommended: Yes
Jumping risk: Moderate

Use smooth rocks and pebbles, strong flow and plenty of oxygen, as it comes from fast-flowing streams. A tight lid helps too.

Behaviour and Tankmates

A busy grazer that works over rocks and glass, and often squabbles harmlessly with its own kind.

Keep a small group where the tank allows.

Can chase others of its kind, without much damage.

Suits a cool, well-oxygenated stream setup with fish that like similar conditions. It may eat baby shrimp.

Check tankmates for this species

Water Parameters

Temperature: 20–26 °C
pH: 6–7.5
GH: 2–12
Stability importance: Very important

Fairly tolerant of different water, if it is clean and stable.

Parameter caveat

Add this fish only to a mature, fully cycled tank, and keep up regular water changes.

Feeding

Diet types: Aufwuchs Grazer, Herbivore, Omnivore
Feeding frequency: Daily
Preferred foods: Spirulina or algae wafersShould make up much of the diet.
Blanched vegetablesCourgette, cucumber and peas work well. Remove leftovers within a day.
Small frozen foodsAn occasional addition for protein.

Grazes on algae and biofilm, and readily takes prepared foods.

Feed small amounts, and remove anything left after a few minutes.

Breeding

Breeding difficulty: Not commonly bred
Parental care: Unknown

Not commonly bred in aquariums, and little has been recorded about how it spawns.

Habitat and Origin

Geographic origin: Myanmar, Southeast Asia
Natural habitat: River
Audience level: Intermediate

Classification

Profile type: Recognized species
Genus: Garra
Family: Cyprinidae
Species group: Fish, Garras

Have you kept this species?

You can write a note about what worked for you, or send a photograph. We check everything before it appears here.

Share a note or photo