Doctor Fish (Garra rufa) 3-4 cm

The Doctor Fish is an active and social bottom-oriented cyprinid known for its constant grazing behavior. In nature, it inhabits rivers and streams in the Middle East, where it lives in well-oxygenated flowing waters. In the aquarium, it spends much of its time exploring rocks, driftwood, and other surfaces.

This hardy and fascinating species does best when kept in groups and makes an excellent addition to active community aquariums.

Care Requirements

• Size: approximately 10–15 cm
• Temperature: 18–28 °C
• pH: 6.5–8.0
• Water hardness: soft to hard
• Minimum aquarium size: 150 liters
• Difficulty: Easy to intermediate

Behavior

Doctor Fish are active and social and should preferably be kept in groups of at least 5–6 individuals. Group living encourages natural behavior and reduces territorial disputes.

Provide:

• Open swimming space
• Rocks and driftwood
• Good water circulation
• Strong oxygenation

Feeding

Suitable foods include:

• Algae-based foods
• Vegetable wafers
• Sinking pellets
• Frozen and live foods
• Vegetables such as zucchini and cucumber

Important Notes

Although known worldwide as the "Doctor Fish", this species should be maintained as an aquarium fish and not used for skin treatment purposes.

Doctor Fish thrive in clean, well-oxygenated water and appreciate stronger current than many common community fish species.

A hardy and engaging fish for aquarists who enjoy active and constantly grazing species.