Cambodian Garra, lat. Garra cambodgiensis- Garra cambodgiensis distribution
Family: Cyprinidae;
Genus: Garra;
Species and synonyms: Cambodian Garra (Garra cambodgiensis, Cambodian Logsucker, False Siamese Algae Eater, Siamese Stone Lapping Fish).
GBIF:
Cambodian Garra (lat. Garra cambodgiensis) is a species of ray-finned fish from the order Cypriniformes, family Cyprinidae, genus Garra. A popular aquarium fish known as the False Siamese Algae Eater (False SAE).
Distribution. The natural range of the Cambodian Garra covers rivers and streams of Southeast Asia: Cambodia, Thailand, Laos and Vietnam. The fish prefer clear, fast-flowing waters with rocky or sandy bottoms, often found in foothills and areas with strong currents.
Care requirements. The Cambodian Garra is an active fish that grows up to 10–12 cm in the aquarium. To keep a group (3–5 specimens), an aquarium of at least 100 liters with a length of 80 cm is recommended. Optimal water parameters: temperature 22–26°C, hardness 5–15 dGH, pH 6.0–7.5. Powerful filtration, good aeration and water flow created by a powerhead are important. Weekly water changes of 20–25% are mandatory. Stones, driftwood and shelters are placed at the bottom, sand or fine gravel is used as substrate. Plants should have large, tough leaves.
Garras are omnivorous, but the basis of their diet consists of plant foods: algae, blanched lettuce leaves, spinach, zucchini. Additionally, they are given live and frozen foods (bloodworms, tubifex, brine shrimp), as well as high-quality dry flakes and granules. Unlike the true Siamese Algae Eater (Crossocheilus oblongus), the Cambodian Garra is less effective at eating filamentous algae, but does well with growths on glass and rocks.
In the aquarium, Garras are active in the lower and middle water layers. They get along peacefully with fish of comparable size, but can show territoriality towards conspecifics. Recommended tankmates include barbs, danios, rasboras, large tetras, loaches and other active fish. It is not recommended to keep them with slow-moving or too small fish.
Breeding in home aquariums is difficult due to the specific nature of spawning. In nature, spawning occurs during the rainy season in fast-flowing rivers. Sexual differences are weakly expressed: females become fuller-bodied during the spawning period. In aquarium keeping, breeding usually uses hormonal stimulation in specialized farms.
The Cambodian Garra differs from the true Siamese Algae Eater (Crossocheilus oblongus) by its lighter coloration, less contrasting stripe and larger scales. Juvenile fish are especially effective at eating algae, but with age, interest in plant food decreases. Life expectancy is 6–8 years.
Comparison of algae eaters Crossocheilus oblongus, Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus, Garra cambodgiensis and Gyrinocheilus aymonieri