{"product_id":"doctor-fish-garra-rufa","title":"Doctor Fish (Garra Rufa)","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoctor Fish \u003cem\u003e(Garra rufa)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, also known as the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003egarra rufa fish, pedicure fish\u003c\/strong\u003e, or\u003cstrong\u003e fish that eat dead skin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, is one of the most fascinating freshwater species in the aquarium and spa world. Famous for their gentle skin-nibbling behavior, these \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003egarra fish\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e are both active algae grazers in aquariums and popular “\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003efish eating dead skin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e” in natural spa treatments. Their peaceful nature, hardiness, and unique interaction with humans have made \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003edoctor fish\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e a highly sought-after species worldwide.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNative to the warm rivers and hot springs of the Middle East, particularly Turkey and Syria, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003egarra rufa\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e are small cyprinid fish known for their unusual feeding behavior. In aquariums, they act as excellent algae grazers. In spa environments, they are famously used as \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003epedicure fish\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, gently cleaning away dead skin cells with their specialized mouths. Their dual role as both \u003cstrong\u003eaquarium fish\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003espa fish\u003c\/strong\u003e has earned them global recognition.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGarra rufa fish\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e typically grow to \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e4–6 inches (10–15 cm)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e in captivity. They have a slender, torpedo-shaped body, usually gray to brown with a slight reddish tint, giving rise to their nickname “reddish log sucker.” Their sucker-like mouth is designed to graze on algae and biofilm, but in spa environments, it is what allows them to perform their famous dead skin nibbling.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoctor fish\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e are peaceful, social species that do best in groups of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e5 or more\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. In aquariums, they are active bottom-dwellers and thrive in clean, oxygen-rich water with smooth rocks, driftwood, and live plants for grazing. Ideal tankmates include other peaceful community fish such as Tetras, Rasboras, Danios, Loaches, and Corydoras.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAt our Splashy Fish tropical fish store, our Doctor Fish for sale and other freshwater fish for sale are carefully selected and packed with love! Visit us to buy them online or at our aquarium store in Virginia for more betta fish for sale, freshwater shrimp for sale, live aquatic plants for sale, and aquarium supplies.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM THIS FISH:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eFamous “\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003efish eating dead skin\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e,” also known as \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003epedicure fish\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGrows to 4–6 inches which is ideal for medium to large aquariums\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eActive algae grazer and peaceful community species\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHardy and beginner-friendly when kept in proper conditions\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSocial and thrives in groups of 5 or more\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRECOMMENDED TANK PARAMETERS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Minimum 40 gallons for a group\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 75°–82°F (24°–28°C)\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 6.5–7.5\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 5–15 dGH\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFiltration:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Strong flow with high oxygenation, similar to natural streams\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCARE GUIDELINES:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Omnivorous. In aquariums, they feed on algae, sinking pellets, algae wafers, and occasional protein-rich foods such as bloodworms or brine shrimp.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank Setup:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Provide smooth rocks, driftwood, and plants for grazing, along with strong water movement to replicate their natural river habitat.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBehavior:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Peaceful and social, so keep them in groups to prevent stress and promote natural activity.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoctor Fish Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre Doctor Fish dangerous?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNo, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoctor Fish (Garra rufa)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e are not dangerou\u003c\/strong\u003es. They are gentle freshwater fish that nibble lightly on algae, biofilm, or dead skin cells without teeth. This makes them harmless to humans and safe for community aquariums. In fact, their calm temperament is why they are often used as \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003epedicure fish\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e in spa treatments.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow big do Doctor Fish get?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoctor Fish typically grow to about 4–6 inches (10–15 cm)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e in home aquariums. Their manageable size makes them ideal for medium and large tanks while still being active enough to stand out as fascinating bottom dwellers.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is Doctor Fish good for?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDoctor Fish (Garra rufa)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e are good for two main purposes:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eIn aquariums, they act as natural \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ealgae eaters\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, helping to keep rocks, plants, and glass clean.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eIn spa settings, they are known as \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003efish that eat dead skin\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, gently nibbling away loose skin cells in a soothing, non-invasive way.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis dual role as both an effective algae grazer and a unique pedicure fish makes them highly valued in both aquatics and spa care.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n  \"mainEntity\": [{\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"Are Doctor Fish dangerous?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"No, Doctor Fish (Garra rufa) are not dangerous. They are gentle freshwater fish that nibble lightly on algae, biofilm, or dead skin cells without teeth. This makes them harmless to humans and safe for community aquariums. In fact, their calm temperament is why they are often used as pedicure fish in spa treatments.\"\n    }\n  },{\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"How big do Doctor Fish get?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"Doctor Fish typically grow to about 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) in home aquariums. Their manageable size makes them ideal for medium and large tanks while still being active enough to stand out as fascinating bottom dwellers.\"\n    }\n  },{\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"What is Doctor Fish good for?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"Doctor Fish (Garra rufa) are good for two main purposes:\nIn aquariums, they act as natural algae eaters, helping to keep rocks, plants, and glass clean.\nIn spa settings, they are known as fish that eat dead skin, gently nibbling away loose skin cells in a soothing, non-invasive way.\nThis dual role as both an effective algae grazer and a unique pedicure fish makes them highly valued in both aquatics and spa care.\"\n    }\n  }]\n}\n\u003c\/script\u003e","brand":"Splashy Fish","offers":[{"title":"3-3.5CM","offer_id":54168259100961,"sku":"qdn1793057151822","price":7.39,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0987\/2975\/4913\/files\/doctor-fish-garra-rufa_1.jpg?v=1793057157","url":"https:\/\/settingmist.shop\/products\/doctor-fish-garra-rufa","provider":"My Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}