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Snouted garra (Garra nasuta) — Cyprinidae

Snouted garra

Garra nasuta
Family: Cyprinidae

The Snouted garra (Garra nasuta) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 20 cm.

Length
20 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Myanmar, China, India, Viet Nam, Thailand

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Description

The Snouted garra is an algae eater (Cyprinidae) from fast-flowing, clear fresh water of South Asia. 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 Snouted garra?

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

Where does the Snouted garra live?

The Snouted garra lives in fresh water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Asia: Myanmar, China, India, Viet Nam, Thailand

How big does the Snouted garra get?

The Snouted garra grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.

Is the Snouted garra dangerous to humans?

No, the Snouted 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
Snouted garra sourced
Scientific name
Garra nasuta
Family
Cyprinidae
Other names
Khasi garra sourced

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Natural range
Asia: Myanmar, China, India, Viet Nam, Thailand 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
Fishing with natural bait (fish, shrimp, worm) or lures close to reef and rock structures. 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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