{"product_id":"black-garra-garra-poecilura","title":"Black Garra – Garra poecilura","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eBlack Garra\u003c\/strong\u003e (\u003cem\u003eGarra poecilura\u003c\/em\u003e) is a small, uncommon freshwater grazer from Myanmar, prized for its dark coloration, active behavior, and distinctive patterned tail area.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis species is adapted to clear, flowing streams with rocky and gravel substrates. Like other Garra species, it has a modified lower lip that helps it cling to surfaces while grazing on biofilm, algae, and other natural foods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRare and unusual freshwater Garra species\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCompact adult size\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eActive bottom and surface grazer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFeeds naturally on biofilm and algae\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBest suited to mature, oxygen-rich aquariums\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAppreciates moderate to strong water movement\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWorks well in river-style aquariums\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePeaceful community species when properly housed\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFish Information\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Black Garra\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eGarra poecilura\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFamily:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cyprinidae\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Myanmar\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNative Drainage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ayeyarwady River system\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Freshwater\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Generally peaceful\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 1.5–1.8 inches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSwimming Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bottom to lower-middle levels\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Omnivorous grazer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAdult Size\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlack Garras remain relatively small.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSeriously Fish lists \u003cem\u003eGarra poecilura\u003c\/em\u003e at approximately \u003cstrong\u003e45 mm standard length\u003c\/strong\u003e, or about \u003cstrong\u003e1.8 inches\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRecommended Aquarium Size\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA \u003cstrong\u003e20–30 gallon aquarium or larger\u003c\/strong\u003e is a practical starting point for a small group.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA longer aquarium is preferred over a tall aquarium because this species benefits from additional bottom surface area, open grazing space, and current.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRecommended Water Parameters\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePublished aquarium-specific water parameters for \u003cem\u003eGarra poecilura\u003c\/em\u003e are limited. Based on its natural habitat and care of closely related Garra species, the following range is a reasonable aquarium target:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 72–79°F\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 6.5–7.5\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Hardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Soft to moderately hard\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAmmonia:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0 ppm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNitrite:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0 ppm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNitrate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Kept low through routine maintenance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClean, stable, highly oxygenated water is more important than chasing one exact pH value.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAquarium Setup\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlack Garras are best kept in a mature aquarium designed around flowing-water conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUse a fully cycled aquarium\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvide strong biological filtration\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaintain good oxygenation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUse moderate to strong water movement\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdd smooth rocks and rounded gravel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvide driftwood and hard surfaces for grazing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAllow algae and biofilm to develop naturally\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUse a tightly fitting lid\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRiver-Style Aquarium\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA river-style setup is especially suitable for Black Garras.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGood aquascaping materials include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSmooth river stones\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCobbles\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFine gravel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSand\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDriftwood\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFlat rocks exposed to aquarium lighting\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBright enough lighting to promote natural biofilm and algae growth can provide valuable grazing surfaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlack Garras are natural grazers, but they should not be expected to survive on aquarium algae alone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA varied diet may include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAlgae wafers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpirulina-based foods\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSinking omnivore pellets\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRepashy-style gel foods\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlanched zucchini\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlanched spinach\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrozen brine shrimp\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrozen daphnia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOccasional small protein-rich foods\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNatural biofilm should be viewed as an important supplement rather than the fish's only food source.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAre Black Garras Good Algae Eaters?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Black Garras naturally graze on algae and biofilm growing on rocks, wood, glass, and other hard surfaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, they are not a substitute for proper aquarium maintenance and should still receive a complete prepared diet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTemperament\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlack Garras are generally suitable for peaceful community aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSome Garra species may establish small feeding territories or chase one another occasionally, particularly when food or grazing surfaces are limited. Providing plenty of space and multiple feeding areas can help reduce competition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eKeeping Black Garras in Groups\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey may be maintained in small groups when sufficient space is available.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA group can display more natural social behavior, but the aquarium should provide enough rocks, grazing surfaces, and visual barriers to prevent one fish from dominating the others.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCompatible Tankmates\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePotential tankmates may include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePeaceful barbs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDanios\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRainbowfish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRasboras\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePeaceful loaches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCorydoras\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSmall to medium peaceful community fish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid highly aggressive species or fish that require very different water conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePlants and Aquascaping\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlack Garras can be kept successfully in planted aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHardy plants that work well in higher-flow setups include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnubias\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eJava fern\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBolbitis\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCryptocoryne\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlants attached to rocks and driftwood are especially practical in river-style aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eImportant Care Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDo not add to a biologically immature aquarium.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvide clean, highly oxygenated water.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUse good filtration and moderate to strong flow.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvide plenty of hard surfaces for biofilm growth.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDo not rely on algae alone as a complete diet.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUse a tight-fitting lid because Garra species can climb and escape.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKeep ammonia and nitrite at 0 ppm.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNever release aquarium fish into local waterways.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow large do Black Garras get?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThey remain quite small, reaching approximately 1.5–1.8 inches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre Black Garras good algae eaters?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. They graze naturally on algae and biofilm, but they still need a varied prepared diet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo Black Garras need high flow?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThey come from flowing streams and benefit from moderate to strong current combined with high oxygen levels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan Black Garras live in a community aquarium?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. They are generally suitable for peaceful community tanks with compatible species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan Black Garras live with shrimp?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAdult shrimp may often coexist with them, but extremely small shrimplets could potentially be eaten by many omnivorous fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo they need a mature aquarium?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. A mature aquarium provides stable water conditions and established biofilm for grazing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan they climb out of the aquarium?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGarra species are capable climbers and escape artists, so a tightly fitting lid is strongly recommended.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAvailable at Tropical Treasures Wyo\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlack Garras are available at \u003cstrong\u003eTropical Treasures Wyo\u003c\/strong\u003e in Cheyenne, Wyoming, when in stock.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLive fish are available for \u003cstrong\u003ein-store purchase or local pickup only\u003c\/strong\u003e and are not available for shipping.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tropical Treasures Wyo LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54943543754965,"sku":null,"price":14.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"url":"https:\/\/tropicaltreasureswyo.com\/products\/black-garra-garra-poecilura","provider":"Tropical Treasures Wyo LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}