Garra Bicornuta

Datasheet

Behaviour:

The Rhino Garra can display territorial behavior, especially when food is introduced into the aquarium, actively pursuing other fish that come too close. Tankmates should consist of agile and peaceful cyprinids to avoid aggression. Slow-moving or long-finned species are not recommended. In the wild, they exist in loose aggregations, and when kept as single individuals, they may exhibit more aggression towards similarly-shaped fish, suggesting that keeping at least 3-4 individuals is advisable to reduce aggression and establish a pecking order within the group.

Feeding and Diet:

The Rhino Garra is not a strict herbivore and will graze on algae but also requires meaty foods like chironomid larvae, bloodworms, Tubifex, and Artemia. It should be provided with sinking dried food, preferably containing vegetable matter such as Spirulina. Occasional offerings of fruits and vegetables like cucumber and spinach can also be beneficial. Homemade gelatine-bound recipes containing a mix of dried fish food, shellfish, fruits, and vegetables are recommended for optimal nutrition.

Aquarium Setup:

To house a Rhino Garra, a well-maintained aquarium set-up resembling a flowing river is recommended. The tank should have a substrate of water-worn rocks, sand, and gravel, along with driftwood and hardy aquatic plants like Microsorum and Anubias. Clean, well-oxygenated water with a flow rate of over 10 times per hour is essential. Adequate lighting is necessary to encourage the growth of biofilm for the fish to graze on. Due to its need for stable water conditions and biofilm grazing behavior, the species should not be introduced into a newly established aquarium, and a secure cover is necessary to prevent escape.

Reproduction & Dimorphism:

Reproduction in the Rhino Garra is not well-documented, and captive breeding is uncommon. In the wild, they are believed to spawn during the monsoon season, with some migratory behavior observed. Sexually mature males exhibit prominent tubercles on the head and snout, with more pronounced secondary rostra compared to females. Studies on breeding of related Garra species have shown that natural breeding methodologies can be successful, with careful monitoring and proper conditions leading to successful hatching and fry development.

Habitat and Distribution:

The Rhino Garra is native to southern India, specifically the Tunga River in the Western Ghats mountain range. The Tunga River flows through valleys and hills covered with semi-deciduous forest, known for its clean water quality. The species is likely endemic to the Tunga River and possibly parts of the Krishna basin. Their habitat experiences seasonal variations due to monsoons, impacting water flow and partial drying. The Rhino Garra is found in streams with gravel substrate, coexisting with a variety of sympatric species like Parambassis ranga and Dawkinsia arulius.