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Doctor Fish
Garra rufa
📍 Middle East (Turkey, Syria, Iraq, Iran)
Garra rufa, commonly known as Doctor Fish or Nibble Fish, are small freshwater fish native to the Middle East known for their unique behavior of consuming dead skin cells. These peaceful fish are popular in spa treatments and aquariums, though they require specific water conditions and should be kept in groups for optimal behavior.
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Care Guide
Diet
Garra rufa are omnivorous and primarily feed on algae, biofilm, and dead skin cells in their natural habitat. In aquariums, provide algae wafers, spirulina tablets, blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach), and occasional small live foods like daphnia. Feed once daily in portions they can consume within 2-3 minutes.
Behavior
Doctor Fish are bottom-dwelling scavengers that spend most of their time grazing on surfaces and consuming algae. They are most active in groups of 6 or more, displaying schooling behavior and reduced stress. These fish are generally peaceful but may become territorial or aggressive if kept in insufficient numbers or inadequate space.
Breeding
Breeding Garra rufa in captivity is extremely difficult and rarely successful in home aquariums. They require specific environmental triggers and large breeding tanks with optimal water conditions. Most aquarium specimens are wild-caught, making captive breeding impractical for hobbyists.
Tank Mates
Similar water parameter requirements and peaceful temperament
Both are algae-eating bottom dwellers with compatible care needs
Peaceful invertebrates that share similar grazing behavior
Bottom-dwelling scavengers with compatible peaceful temperament
Non-aggressive invertebrates that occupy similar ecological niche
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, flashing against surfaces, lethargy
Increase temperature gradually to 28-30°C (82-86°F), perform daily 25% water changes, use aquarium salt at 1 teaspoon per 5 gallons, consider copper-free ich medication
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy, loss of appetite
Perform 50% water change, improve water quality and aeration, maintain optimal temperature, use antibacterial medication if severe, remove sharp decorations
Bacterial Infection
Open sores, ulcers on body, cloudy eyes, swollen abdomen, loss of appetite
Isolate affected fish, perform frequent water changes, maintain pristine water conditions, use broad-spectrum antibiotic medication, ensure adequate nutrition
Parasitic Infection
Excessive scratching, visible parasites on body, weight loss, pale coloration, clamped fins
Quarantine infected fish, treat with antiparasitic medication, perform daily water changes, maintain elevated temperature, improve water quality
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Quick Facts
- diet
- omnivore - algae wafers, small insects, biofilm, vegetables
- lifespan
- 5-8 years
- max size
- 6 cm (2.4 in)
- tank size
- 20 gallons minimum
- temperament
- peaceful
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.5-8.0
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <20 ppm
- hardness
- 8-18 dGH
- temperature
- 75–82°F (24–28°C)