Garra Rufa (Doctor Fish)
Garra rufa
The Spa Treatment 'Doctor Fish' (Up to 5.5 inches / 14 cm). World-famous for being kept in commercial health spas where they aggressively swarm and nibble dead skin off human feet. In the aquarium hobby, the Garra rufa is an incredibly energetic, hyperactive, bulletproof schooling cyprinid. It is an amazing algae grazer, but it strictly demands fast-flowing, highly oxygenated water and must be kept in large schools to prevent boredom and vicious fin-nipping behavior.
Temperatura da água
15 - 28 °C
Valor de pH
6.5 - 8
Tipo de água
Água doce
Nível do tanque
Parte inferior
Tamanho adulto
14 cm
Volume mínimo do tanque
>= 180 L
Grupo mínimo
>= 1
GH
5 - 15 dGH
KH
2 - 7 dKH
TDS
95 - 295 ppm
Condutividade
148 - 461 uS/cm
Descrição da espécie
Geographical Origin and Habitat: 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.
Cuidado, criação e companheiros de tanque
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 Cohabitation: 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 Breeding: 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.
Origem e distribuição geográfica
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.
Origem
Europa, Mediterrâneo e Ásia Ocidental
Perfil de peixe
- Temperamento
- Semi-aggressive
- They are incredibly active, curious, and peaceful fish that constantly explore their environment. They are highly social and must be kept in groups to prevent stress and hiding. They often establish a playful pecking order but rarely inflict any physical harm upon one another.
- Dieta
- Omnivore
- They are omnivorous grazers famous for eating dead skin, but their primary diet consists of algae, aufwuchs, and biofilm. In captivity, they eagerly consume sinking algae wafers, spirulina flakes, and high-quality sinking pellets. Weekly offerings of frozen bloodworms or brine shrimp provide essential protein variety.
- Expectativa de vida
- 5-7 years
- Tamanho adulto
- 14 cm
- Proporção sexual
- School
- Females are generally stockier and possess a rounder belly, especially when full of eggs. Males are slightly more slender and may develop small breeding tubercles on their heads during the spawning season. Keeping them in groups of five or more naturally balances the sex ratio and promotes shoaling.
- Frequência de alimentação
- Twice daily
- They possess high metabolisms and should be fed small portions twice daily. Supplementing their diet by allowing algae to grow naturally on smooth river stones provides an excellent secondary food source. They are voracious eaters, so take care not to overfeed the entire aquarium.
- Carga biológica
- Medium
- The Doctor Fish produces a relatively high bioload for a small fish due to its active metabolism and constant grazing. A robust filtration system is essential to process their waste and maintain excellent water clarity. Routine and thorough water changes are necessary to keep nitrates low and ensure their overall health.
- Fluxo
- Stagnant
- They originate from fast-flowing rivers and streams in the Middle East, requiring high oxygen levels. Strong water flow generated by powerheads or spray bars closely mimics their natural habitat. Poor water circulation can lead to lethargy and increased susceptibility to disease.
- Risco de salto
- Yes
- Like other members of their genus, they are notorious climbers and jumpers. A securely fitted lid is completely mandatory to prevent them from escaping the tank. They are known to quickly climb up corners or equipment tubes if given the slightest opportunity.
- Reprodução
- Oviparous
- Breeding them in home aquariums is possible but requires a dedicated, heavily oxygenated setup. They are egg scatterers that lay unadhesive eggs among smooth stones or coarse gravel. The parents must be removed immediately after spawning, as they will eagerly consume their own eggs.
- Compatibilidade e companheiros de tanque
- Peaceful
- They are peaceful and highly social fish that do well in most standard community aquariums. They can be safely housed with peaceful barbs, tetras, and rasboras. Avoid keeping them with large, aggressive predators or extremely timid fish that might be stressed by their active swimming.
- Nível do tanque
- Bottom
- They are energetic bottom-dwellers that also spend significant time grazing on the aquarium glass and decorations. You will rarely find them hovering in the mid-water column for long. They appreciate aquariums decorated with smooth boulders and sturdy broad-leaved plants.
Modelos e parâmetros científicos
FishBase
Acesso aos dados científicos oficiais da espécie
FishBase v25.04Dados sincronizados em: 15/06/2026
- Nível trófico
- 2 ± 0 se
- Resiliência
- Média (1,4 - 4,4 anos)
- Tempo de geração
- 5,8 anos
- Unicidade filogenética (PD50)
- 0.5
- Relação bayesiana comprimento-peso
- a = 0.00832, b = 3.05
- VulnerabilidadeVulnerabilidade baixa (10 / 100)
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