📖 Overview
Found in different habitats such as rivers, lakes, small ponds, and small muddy streams. Hides under and among stones and vegetation. Bottom dweller, feeding on aufwuchs. Said to also occur in hot ponds where they feed on the skin scales of bathers, reducing illnesses such as neurodermitis.
Scientific Name
Garra rufa
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 4; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8. : elongated.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Red garra is currently being
reviewed.
🦐 Diet
algae
aquatic plants
detritus
🥚 Reproduction
🐣 Oviparous
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; benthopelagic; non-migratory. Subtropical; 15°C - 28°C
🌍 Native Range
1 countries
Sweden
🌿 Ecology
Zone Preferences
💧 Freshwater
Food Items
the skin scales of bathers, reducing illnesses such as neurodermitis
📐 Morphometrics
Length–Weight Relationship:
W = 0.00832 × L3.05
(TL)
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
Temperature Range
15–28°C
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
IUCN Category
Least Concern
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
Population Resilience
Medium
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
36.00/100
Moderate vulnerability
Trophic Level
2
Omnivore / Planktivore
Described By
Heckel, 1843
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Red garra is an edible species."
✗ Not for Raw
✓ Fresh Indicators
Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age Firm flesh that springs back when pressed Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
✗ Avoid If
Cloudy or sunken eyes Strong fishy or ammonia odour Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back Discoloured or dry flesh
Best Cooking Methods
Baking
Grilling
Pan-frying
⚡ Nutrition
Detailed nutritional data for Red garra is
currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Red garra has not yet been
assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
Best Choice
Healthy stocks, low impact
Good Alternative
Well-managed, minor concerns
Use Caution
Check sourcing and season
Avoid
Overfished or high impact
✓ Sustainable Choice
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g
- Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
Proximate Composition
Energy 125 kcal
Moisture 75 %
Protein 20 %
Total Fat 4 %
Ash 1.3 %
Fatty Acids (g)
Saturated Fat 1 g
Monounsaturated Fat 1.2 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.5 g
Omega-3 Total 1 g
EPA 0.3 g
DHA 0.5 g
Omega-6 Total 0.3 g
Key Minerals & Vitamins
Calcium 20 mg
Iron 0.7 mg
Magnesium 30 mg
Phosphorus 220 mg
Potassium 380 mg
Sodium 55 mg
Zinc 0.5 mg
Selenium 32 µg
Vitamin B12 2 µg
📊 Population Dynamics
Year
Region
Index
Notes
-
-
-
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Red garra.
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 18 records indexed
.