Red garra

Garra Rufa

Red garra (Garra rufa), also known as the doctor fish, is a small species of cyprinid fish that is native to river basins in the Middle East, particularly in countries such as Turkey, Syria, Iraq, and Iran. This species has gained international attention for its use in ichthyotherapy, where individuals immerse themselves in pools containing the fish to have dead skin removed.

Description

The Red garra is characterized by its small size, typically reaching up to 14 cm in length, though most specimens are smaller. It has an olive-grey body with a reddish tinge on its scales, which gives it its common name. The fish is known for its distinctive mouth shape, adapted for scraping dead skin cells from surfaces, including human skin.

Habitat and Distribution

Originally found in river basins and streams in the Middle East, the Red garra prefers a habitat with a moderate to fast flow and a rocky or sandy bottom. Due to its popularity in spa treatments, the species has been introduced to aquatic environments worldwide, raising concerns about its impact on native species and ecosystems.

Behavior and Diet

Red garra are social fish that typically live in groups. Their diet in the wild consists mainly of aufwuchs, a combination of algae, small plants, and microorganisms that they scrape from rocks and other surfaces. In spa settings, they feed on the dead skin of patrons, although this is not their natural diet.

Reproduction

The reproduction of Red garra is not well-documented in the wild, but in captivity, they are known to lay eggs. The breeding process can be stimulated by changes in water conditions, such as temperature.

Ichthyotherapy

The use of Red garra for ichthyotherapy has become popular in many countries. Patrons of spas that offer this treatment immerse affected areas of their body in pools containing the fish. The fish then feed on the dead skin, purportedly providing therapeutic benefits for skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. However, the health benefits of such treatments are debated, and there are concerns about the hygiene of using the same fish to treat multiple people.

Conservation Status

The conservation status of Red garra is not well-documented, but the species faces threats from habitat destruction and pollution in its native range. The international trade for spa treatments also poses potential risks to wild populations through overharvesting and the spread of diseases.

In Culture

Beyond its use in ichthyotherapy, the Red garra does not have significant cultural or economic importance. However, its unique relationship with humans has sparked interest and debate regarding the ethics and sustainability of using wild animals for therapeutic purposes.

Red garra Resources
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