After many years we were finally able to import some full-grown (8-10 cm long) specimens of this as rare as beautiful and interesting sucking barb species. Garra sp. Red Tail is still scientifically undescribed, although the collecting site (the Kasat river in the west of Thailand) is well documented. For the history of discovery of this species please see https://www.aqualog.de/blog/garra-sp-rotschwanz-godzilla-kommt-vom-kasat-river/
The article also documents the impressive fighting behaviour of this species, in which the males open their forehead processes (scientifically: proboscis) like horns and then wrestle with each other like bulls.
The next related species in Thailand is Garra fuliginosa Fowler, 1934, from which Garra sp. Red Tail differs clearly in color.
Of course, this Garra species is also a good algae exterminator, but it is more adviced to be kept for its own sake and to promote algae growth for the benefit of the fish than to degrade the animal to a stone cleaner.
For our customers: the animals have code 416484 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply wholesalers. Available in small numbers only!
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
