The Doctor Fish (Garra rufa), often recognized as the Pedicure Fish, extends its popularity beyond just aquarium enthusiasts. Celebrated for its unique ability to gently graze upon dead skin cells on humans, it’s become a sought-after species in clinics specializing in psoriasis and various skin treatments. Within these therapeutic settings, patients immerse their limbs in water, inviting swarms of Doctor Fish to naturally exfoliate dead skin. However, in the home aquarium, this fish offers an intriguing scavenging behavior and peaceful grazing habits, making it a compatible addition to diverse community tanks.
Belonging to the Cyprinidae family, the Doctor Fish naturally thrives in the cooler freshwater environments of the Mediterranean and Middle East. These fish are adapted to and prefer highly oxygenated, rapidly flowing waters, frequently observed swimming directly against filter outputs or powerheads. Maintaining vigorous water flow is crucial for their well-being in captivity. Equally important is a secure aquarium lid or canopy, as Doctor Fish are known for their exceptional jumping and climbing abilities.
In terms of diet and aquarium maintenance, Doctor Fish play a beneficial role by consuming biofilm that naturally develops on driftwood, rocks, and plant leaves. This makes them ideal inhabitants for well-illuminated planted aquariums. Supplementing their diet with fresh fruits and vegetables is recommended, alongside a provision of meaty foods, both in dry and frozen forms, to ensure a balanced nutritional intake. Given that biofilm is integral to their diet, it’s advisable to introduce Doctor Fish only into established aquariums with mature biological systems.
What Makes Doctor Fish a Great Choice:
- Engaging and curious personality.
- Generally peaceful temperament suitable for community tanks.
- Natural biofilm consumption aids in tank maintenance.
- Thrives in cooler water setups, offering versatility in aquarium types.
ESSENTIAL TANK CONDITIONS:
- Water Temperature: 57° – 68° F (14° – 20° C)
- pH Range: 6.0 – 8.0
- KH Level: 6 – 10 dKH
- Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons for a small group
CARE DETAILS:
- Diet: Omnivorous; requires a varied diet of high-quality dry, frozen, plant-based, and meaty foods.
- Social Behavior: Peaceful in general; best kept in groups but can show aggression among their species or similar fish in smaller environments.
- Native Region: Mediterranean and Middle East
- Adult Size Expectation: 3.9 – 4.7 inches (10 – 12 cm)
- Purchase Size Approximation: 1 inch (2.5 cm)
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