Garra Rufa (Doctor Fish)

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Native to the river basins of the Middle East (Turkey, Syria, Iraq, Iran). Prefers rivers and streams with rocky bottoms and lively currents, but is famous for having adapted to live in high-temperature sulfurous thermal pools.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Famous as the "Doctor Fish". Medium-sized benthic Cyprinid (up to 14 cm / 5.5 inches). Possesses a characteristic sucker-like mouth, pointing downwards, with thick and rough lips adapted to scrape surfaces.

Social Behavior: Very strong gregariousness; must be kept in schools of at least 6-8 specimens. In the aquarium it is tireless, hyperactive and constantly hungry, spending the day inspecting every stone, wood or tankmate in search of food.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Very modest livery, gray-brown or opaque silver, often with a faded dark lateral band and a spot at the base of the tail. Females are noticeably stockier and more swollen than males, who remain slimmer.

Aquarium Setup: Aquarium of at least 100 cm (40 inches) in length. A strong water current (wavemakers) and excellent oxygenation are essential. Bottom made of polished river pebbles, flat stones on which to grow algae, woods and robust vegetation (Anubias).

Diet and Feeding: Omnivorous scraper ("aufwuchs"). Known to feed on dead human skin (ichthyotherapy), in the aquarium it needs sinking tablets based on spirulina, blanched vegetables, but also protein food such as bloodworms and brine shrimp so as not to waste away.

Water Quality: Extraordinarily resistant to thermal variations, tolerating temperatures from 15°C to 28°C (59-82°F) (ideal 22-25°C / 72-77°F for long term). Neutral or alkaline water (pH 6.5-8.0), medium hardness. Very sensitive to the accumulation of nitrates.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Excellent community fish for Asian rheophilic tanks with Danios, small Barbs and loaches (Botia). Its aptitude to "flea" and scrape can annoy or stress to death flat, slow or wide-finned fish (Discus, Angelfish, Gouramis).

Aquarium Reproduction: Careless free spawners. Reproduction in home aquariums is very rare; the entire world production for the ichthyotherapy and aquarium market takes place in massive commercial farms in Asia and Eastern Europe.

Risks and Diseases: Often sold undernourished: require abundant feeding from day one. Excellent jumpers, lid mandatory. The greatest risk is incautious purchase for home therapeutic purposes in unsuitable tanks.