Doctor fish
Garra rufa
Garra rufa reaches up to 15 cm. Its body is elongated, slightly compressed, with a gray-brown to olive coloration, sometimes with lighter spots. The mouth is sucker-shaped, adapted for grazing algae and debris. It has a pair of barbels. It is an active fish that enjoys moderate current. It is known to feed on dead skin, hence its use in pedicure. In the aquarium, it is peaceful but can become territorial with conspecifics. It lives in groups and requires good oxygenation.
Recommended parameters
| Parameter | Recommended range |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 20–28 |
| pH | 6.5–8 |
| GH | 5–20 |
| KH | 5–15 |
| NO₃ | ≤ 25 |
| PO₄ | ≤ 0.5 |
Care
Care notes
A minimum 100-liter aquarium is recommended for a group. Water must be well oxygenated with moderate current. Parameters: temperature 20–28 °C, pH 6.5–8.0, GH 5–20, KH 5–15. A gravel or coarse sand substrate is suitable. Add smooth rocks and roots. Feed with algae, blanched vegetables, pellets, and frozen foods. Change 25% water weekly. Avoid very slow or long-finned fish. Breeding is possible in aquariums with appropriate current and temperature conditions.