Family: Cyprinidae
Garra orientalis — a Cyprinidae from S & SE Asia, peaceful; keep with similar-sized calm tankmates. Reaches 15–22 cm; keep in a group of 4–6 for natural behaviour. 18–26 °C.
A Cyprinidae species native to S & SE Asia: Garra orientalis lives bottom-dwelling over gravel. Peaceful; keep with similar-sized calm tankmates. Adults reach 15–22 cm. It is one of the aquarium-kept Garra species we profile, alongside Garra imberba, Garra qiaojiensis, Garra bispinosa.
Difficulty: moderate. Peaceful; keep with similar-sized calm tankmates. Keep in a group of 4–6 for natural behaviour.
Hold 18–26 °C and keep it stable — 18–26 °C typical for the family. Room temperature to heated, depending on origin.
Full size is 15–22 cm. Minimum tank: 500 L, with open swimming space along its bottom-dwelling habits.
Omnivore; prepared foods with regular variety. Vary the menu — quality flakes or pellets plus frozen or live foods.
Peaceful; keep with similar-sized calm tankmates; keep in a group of 4–6 for natural behaviour. Good company: Robust schooling cyprinids — Add activity without conflict. Keep away from Much larger predators — Risk at night.
Comes from S & SE Asia: clear streams and rivers over gravel. Expect moderate, well-oxygenated current and appreciates well-oxygenated water.
Jumping is not a known issue; cover the tank anyway during water changes.
Breeding is straightforward scatter-spawning. Males often slimmer and more colourful.