Fish Profiles: Garra Rufa Fish

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Garra Rufa fish, also known as 'doctor fish' have risen in popularity in recent times due too their use in a spa beauty treatments, as a therapy or to treat skin ailments. In the wild, Garra rufa feed on detritus, algae and tiny animals (like zooplankton). The 'spa' practice is banned in the United Kingdom and much of the USA and Canada, as cosmetology regulators believe the practice is unsanitary and unethical.

It is recommended that Garra Rufa fish are kept in well-aerated moderate to fast flowing water to thrive. Garra Rufa are trypically peaceful, but can squabble amongst themselves in groups of less than 5, and may get territorial with similar species, or bottom feeding fish. Fine substrate or soft sand, is recommended along with a well-planted aquarium with smooth rocks and driftwood.

Can I keep Garra Rufa fish in a coldwater fish tank?
In principle, yes, but please restrict to indoor aquaria and ensure that the temperature does not drop below 16 degrees celsius. Please take the time to acclimitise Garra Rufa fish if doing so. Our holding tank conditions are on average 22 degrees, so an aquarium of around 20-22°C is recommended.

What do Garra Rufa fish eat?
Garra Rufa fish, or Doctor Fish, will graze on algae growing in the aquarium, but will also eat small meaty items such as bloodworm and brineshrimp, along with a variety of sinking catfish pellets and algae wafers.

Can I dip my feet in the tank and have them eat the dead skin?
Technically yes, but please don't. It's not very pleasant for the fish, and Garra Rufa fish are not there to supplement your beauty regime. Plus the risk of poisoning the water with nail varnish or other pollutants is very high.

Let them nibble on your hands if you must, but ensure your digits are free from solvents, hand sanitizer, chemicals, nail varnish or any other harmful substance that may harm the fish. While the 'doctor fish' treatment has historically been found to alleviate the symptoms of conditions like psoriasis, the treatment is not curative. Morally and ethically, Garra Rufa fish should not be purchased if your sole motivation is to treat a skin ailment.

In the wild, Garra Rufa fish, as well as other species like Mollies, will nibble on your feet if you dip your feet into a pool or around harbours, etc. This can be quite entertaining, but why someone would want to monetise this into a health care regime is beyond us, and highly unethical.

Features
Maximum size: 6" / 15cm
Origin: Turkey, Middle East
Family: Cyprinidae
Temperament: Peaceful
Lighting requirement: Bright
Ideal number kept together: 5+

Water conditions
Ideal pH: 6.5–8.0
dH: 6-18
Water flow: moderate to strong - good aeration is required
Temperature: 16–25 °C

Ease of care
Moderate. It is recommended that you introduce Garra rufa into an established aquarium and ensure that it is well aerated, with plenty of hiding places.

Breeding
Difficult. Garra rufa fish are not commonly bred in household aquaria.

Life Span
Garra rufa fish can live to up to 5 years in perfect aquarium conditions.