Garra Theunensis

Datasheet

General Description

The Garra Theunensis species is characterized by its plain brown body and fins, occasionally displaying 6-8 narrow, faint longitudinal stripes. With a triangular snout in dorsal view, the fish possesses small tubercules but lacks a transverse groove, along with 45-47+2-3 lateral line scales and a caudal peduncle 1.8-2.2 times as long as deep. Adults can reach sizes of up to 300 mm SL. Members of the genus Garra exhibit unique characteristics, often leading to taxonomic revisions and ongoing confusion due to misidentifications and synonym errors.

Aquarium Setup

For optimal aquarium setup for Garra Theunensis, refer to the respective table.

Behaviour

Garra species, including Theunensis, are equipped with a modified lower lip forming a mental adhesive disc, enabling them to cling to surfaces in turbulent conditions. Their feeding habits involve scraping food items from the substrate using their keratinized upper and lower jaw margins.

Feeding and Diet

Their diet consists of mainly scavenged algae and small invertebrates found in their natural habitat. Their mouth structure and feeding behavior are adapted for scraping and grazing on biofilms covering rocks and other submerged surfaces.

Reproduction & Dimorphism

Information on the reproduction and dimorphism of Garra Theunensis was not provided.

Habitat and Distribution

Garra Theunensis are primarily found in swiftly flowing sections of headwaters and tributaries within the Nam Theun and Nam Gnouang river systems in Laos, as well as the Nan River in Thailand. These fish thrive in clear, oxygen-rich waters conducive to the growth of biofilm on submerged surfaces.