Red Tail Garra
Red Tail Garra
Red Tail Garra (Garra panitvongi) has a pale to silver body with a vivid red to orange-red tail — the striking tail coloration stands out clearly against the more subtly patterned body. A peaceful and effective algae grazer from Thai hillstreams.
Feeding & Care Tip: Hikari Mini Algae Wafers placed on rocks and glass supplement the natural algae grazing. Add blanched zucchini or cucumber for additional plant matter. Sera Vipan Tropical Flakes rounds out the omnivorous diet.
Algae-grazing cyprinids from clear, often fast-flowing Asian streams. They rasp algae and biofilm from hard surfaces using sucker-like mouths. Good water quality and moderate flow are beneficial.
Keep in groups of four or more — more active and less territorial in numbers. Compatible with most peaceful community fish.
Effective and attractive algae control for planted and community aquariums.
Care & Ideal Parameters
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Temperament | Peaceful — community algae grazer |
| Typical Adult Size | 4.0–6.0 inches (10–15 cm) |
| Min. Group Size | 4 minimum |
| Ideal Temp | 72–82°F (22–28°C) |
| Ideal pH | 6.0–7.5 |
| Ideal GH | 3–15 dGH |
| Ideal KH | 1–8 dKH |
| Staple Food | Hikari Mini Algae Wafers; blanched vegetables; Sera Vipan Tropical Flakes |
| Treat / Supplement | Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms; Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp |
| Origin | Fast-flowing streams, Thailand |
| Notes | Vivid red-orange tail on pale body. Thai hillstream origin. Peaceful algae grazer. Good water movement appreciated. |