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Dwarf garra (Garra nana) — Cyprinidae

Dwarf garra

Garra nana
Family: Cyprinidae

The Dwarf garra (Garra nana) is a brackish-water fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 12 cm.

Length
12 cm
Water
Brackish
Diet
Omnivore
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Israel, Jordan, Syria, Türkiye

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Description

The Dwarf garra is an algae eater (Cyprinidae) from fast-flowing, clear fresh water of the highlands of Ethiopia in East Africa. The species grows to about 10 cm and has an elongate, brownish body with an inferior mouth whose lower lip is modified into a sucker disc, with which it clings to stones in strong current and rasps off algae. As a bottom-dweller it lives in clear mountain streams and eats algae, biofilm, detritus and small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Dwarf garra?

The Dwarf garra has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Dwarf garra live?

The Dwarf garra lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Asia: Israel, Jordan, Syria, Türkiye

How big does the Dwarf garra get?

The Dwarf garra grows to a maximum of about 12 cm. On average the species is around 7 cm.

Is the Dwarf garra dangerous to humans?

No, the Dwarf garra is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
Dwarf garra sourced
Scientific name
Garra nana
Family
Cyprinidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
12.0 verified
Average length (cm)
7.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Brackish sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Natural range
Asia: Israel, Jordan, Syria, Türkiye sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Invertebrates, algae and detritus inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Garra

More from the family Cyprinidae

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