Garra gracilis

Family: Cyprinidae

Garra gracilis — a Cyprinidae freshwater fish. Reaches 8.2–12.1 cm; keep at 18–26 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature
18–26 °C
pH
6.5–7.5
GH hardness
5–15 dGH
Adult length
8.2–12.1 cm
Minimum tank
176 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Mostly peaceful; some species nip fins

Species overview

Garra gracilis is a Cyprinidae. In the aquarium it stays mostly peaceful. Plan on 8.2–12.1 cm of adult fish at 18–26 °C. Related profiles: Garra orientalis, Garra imberba, Garra qiaojiensis.

Native biotope

Habitat
Clear streams and rivers over gravel
Flow
Moderate, well-oxygenated current
Dissolved O₂
Appreciates well-oxygenated water

Aquascape & hardware

Substrate
Fine gravel and sand
Hardscape
Water-worn stones and driftwood
Plants
Hardy rooted plants along the margins

Temperament, diet & tankmates

Schooling
Shoaling; keep in groups of 6 or more
Diet
Omnivore; prepared foods with regular vegetable matter
Recommended tankmates
  • Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs
Avoid keeping with
  • Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism
Males often slimmer and more colourful
Breeding method
Egg-scatterer; no parental care

Frequently asked questions

Is Garra gracilis easy to keep?

Difficulty: moderate. Mostly peaceful; some species nip fins. Shoaling; keep in groups of 6 or more.

What temperature and water chemistry does Garra gracilis need?

Set the heater to 18–26 °C and avoid swings. pH 6.5–7.5, GH 5–15 dGH suit it.

How big does Garra gracilis get, and what tank size?

Adults reach 8.2–12.1 cm; it is bottom-dwelling. Plan for at least 176 litres.

What does Garra gracilis eat?

Omnivore; prepared foods with regular vegetable matter. Feed two small meals a day rather than one large one.

Can Garra gracilis live with other fish?

Yes, with care. Mostly peaceful; some species nip fins — pair it with Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs and skip Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates.

Where does Garra gracilis come from?

Its habitat is clear streams and rivers over gravel — moderate, well-oxygenated current, appreciates well-oxygenated water.

Does Garra gracilis jump?

Jumping is not a known issue; cover the tank anyway during water changes.

How does Garra gracilis breed?

In the aquarium: egg-scatterer; no parental care. Males often slimmer and more colourful.