Garra Rufa

The Garra Rufa more commonly known as the Doctor Fish is a fascinating little fish of the species Cyprinid. They are a part of the Carp and Minnow family which is observed through their similar pattern, bodyshape and distinct barbels under the mouth. Cyprinid are the largest and most diverse species of fish and of all vertebrates for that matter. Over 3,000 members of this order exist. The Garra Rufa comes from subtropical areas of Western Asia.

The Garra Rufa gets the name Doctor fish for the unique ability they possess as a tool on manicuring human skin. In nature the Doctor Fish feeds mainly on algae, detritus, small arthropods and zooplankton. In the early 2000’s they gained popularity as a spa treatment for eating and removing the dead skin on the top layers of humans. This has been especially useful to people with psoriasis as the fish is able to remove the irritating dead skin that often causes rash. Though there is no cure for psoriasis the Doctor Fish provides a good treatment to alleviate the symptoms. The Doctor Fish spas have become popular across the world with the first official spa being opened in 2010 in the UK, these types of spas have now spread into the US as well. They are used in single person treatments as well as large ponds that service many people at a time with thousands of Doctor fish.

Apart from their spa treatment use the Garra Rufa is a rewarding and interesting aquarium pet. In nature they can be found in ponds, lakes, rivers and streams. They appreciate oxygen rich fast flowing water and can often be found swimming directly against the current in an aquarium. As a skilled climber a tightly fitted lid is crucial to their keeping. One of the smallest fish in the carp family the Garra Rufa maxes out at just under 5 inches. They appreciate colder temperatures similar to many carp of around 57-67 degrees, they are not very fussy with parameters with a neutral range being a suitable situation. In the aquarium they can be often seen foraging on biofilm with a varied diet of high quality dried food being exceptional. The interesting behavior and peaceful nature makes the doctor fish a fantastic pet.