Garra Surendranathanii

Datasheet

General Description

Garra surendranathanii, known as the 'green algae-eater', features an elongate, shallow body with distinct characteristics such as snout tubercules, a well-developed mental disc, and black-edged body scales. The genus Garra is continuously evolving, with ongoing taxonomic revisions and potential fragmentation into smaller taxa due to its widespread distribution across southern China, Southeast Asia, India, the Middle East, and north/central Africa. The species are typically categorized within the subfamily Labeoninae/Cyprininae or tribe Labeonini and possess unique adaptations such as a modified lower lip forming an adhesive disc for clinging to surfaces.

Aquarium Setup

The aquarium for Garra surendranathanii should mimic its natural habitat, comprising slow to fast-flowing water over substrates of pebbles, boulders, rocks, and sand. Vegetation and hiding spots are recommended, along with appropriate water parameters such as temperature between 22-28°C, pH ranging from 6.5 to 7.5, and hardness of 5-12 dKH. For detailed setup requirements, refer to the table provided.

Behaviour

Garra surendranathanii exhibits typical bottom-dwelling behavior, utilizing its modified lower lip for adhering to surfaces in turbulent conditions. These fish are known for scraping food from substrates using their keratinized jaw margins and prefer slow to fast-flowing aquatic environments.

Feeding and Diet

As the common name 'green algae-eater' suggests, Garra surendranathanii primarily feeds on algae. Additionally, they consume small invertebrates, plant matter, and other organic debris found in their natural habitat. In captivity, a varied diet including algae wafers, blanched vegetables, and quality flake or pellet food is recommended.

Reproduction & Dimorphism

Information on the specific reproductive behaviors and dimorphic features of Garra surendranathanii is limited. However, like many cyprinid species, they likely exhibit typical egg-scattering spawning behavior with potential sexual dimorphism in coloration or size.

Habitat and Distribution

Garra surendranathanii is endemic to the Chalakkudy, Periyar, and Pamba river basins in Kerala, southwestern India, with its type locality specified as the Orukomban tributary to the Chalakkudy River. These fish inhabit various freshwater habitats within these river basins, ranging from shallow, slow-flowing streams to fast-flowing tributaries with substrates of pebbles, boulders, rocks, and sand.