Garra Rufa is a species of freshwater
fish which breeds in the river basins of the Northern and Central Middle Eastern countries mainly in Turkey, Syria, Iraq, Iran & Pakistan.
It is also called the Doctor Fish because of the role it plays
in healing people affected with skin problems such as psoriasis for the past 400 years.
Garra Rufa also goes by the names of Nibble Fish, Kangal Fish
and Doctor Fish.
In non-medical terms, the fish is also called the Reddish Log Sucker.
FACTS about Garra
Rufa...
Originated from the Middle
East where they are found in rivers & springs with thermal
temperatures of 38-42°C.
They are a medically researched species
of fish in Turkey (Protected
Species) for their healing properties.
Release enzymatic secretions (Dithranol)
which is a component of dermatological creams effective for skin to regenerate faster.
Nibble away dead skin cells by sucking
on the skin which is similar to exfoliation but in a natural way.
Have an average life-span of
6-7 years.
They are able to grow up to a maximum
of 7cm.
The only species from the Garra family
of fishes which continues nibbling even when they are full from consuming dead skin cells.
