Garra Flavatra (Panda Garra)

[N0body Of The Goat]

Came back from work this afternoon to find one of my trio dead, posibly the result of some sort of aneurysm, as its right eye was not normal looking (could not see pupil, just wierd grey blob in middle of enlarged eyeball). Like the other two, it was a really healthy looking fish, which had grown to a nice ~7cm SL and was very "stocky."

Now I'm aware that G. flavatra does not do well in twos, as if one is dominant it will mentally torture the submissive one to death, without actually inflicting physical injury (they "bleach" out their black.cream band and flare fins). Pretty sure Aquajardin have got some in stock, but they are noticeably smaller than my remaining two...

Do I just buy a single addition? My hunch is "no," as the new one will be ~2cm SL smaller and will get stressed as the "runt" of the group, even in my 5-footer.
So should I consider getting a new trio? This should prevent one new addition being singles out by my mature fish, plus spread "mental aggression" amongst the youngsters.

 

[kizno1]

So should I consider getting a new trio? This should prevent one new addition being singles out by my mature fish, plus spread "mental aggression" amongst the youngsters.

Thats what i would do. In a 5 foot tank you have enough room for 5 and like you said it will mean any aggression from the bigger ones is spread.

 

[elisew]

Sorry you`ve lost one
I honestly don`t know anything about those fish Goat, but logic would indicate to me that adding a trio would be the better and most sensible option surely.

 

[N0body Of The Goat]

Thanks for the input from both of you, think it will be a trio tomorrow.

Just need to make sure that the new ones look "chunky" enough to be left alone by my Humphead Glassfish and the new ~10cm SL Leopard Bushfish I added down there on Monday for a tenner (he is almost four times the volume of my three younger Bushfish), who would show their predatory side if they consider the Garra as live snacks. From memory, I think the ones at LFS are at least the thickness of my little finger, in which case they will be fine, as live snacks for both these piscivores are swallowed whole rather than taking bite size chunks.

Will be nice to increase their numbers, just gutted about the circumstances that forced this purchase.