Stone sucker (Garra ceylonensis)

Scientific name: Garra ceylonensis Bleeker, 1863

The Stone sucker (Garra ceylonensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 24–26°C (75–79°F). Native range: Asia, endemic to Sri Lanka.

Stone sucker care at a glance

Temperature: 24–26°C (75–79°F)

Biology

Occurs in slow to moderately flowing rivers and streams. Adults and juveniles (>=5 cm.) with fully developed sucking discs are associated with rocky substrates. Juveniles are found throughout the water column, generally free swimming in search of food. Reported to ascend small, rocky streams to breed. Feeds essentially on algae (diatoms). Popular with the aquarium fish trade.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Garra ceylonensis
Family: Cyprinidae (Minnows or carps)
Order: Cypriniformes (Carps)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 15.0
Common length: 8.0
Environment: Freshwater;; pH range: 7.0 - ?; dH range: ? - 15 benthopelagic
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: Asia: endemic to Sri Lanka.
Conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Fisheries: of no interest; aquarium: commercial
Resilience: High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)