Most aquarists in need of an algae eating fish will seek out some variety of Plecostomus. But for those in search of something more unusual and personable, the Garra Rufa may be the ideal choice as an algae eater. Garra Rufa have been gaining some popularity in the aquarium hobby in recent years, and some of this is due to the fish’s medical applications. They may not be the easiest fish to obtain, but they are fascinating additions to the freshwater aquarium.
General Information about Garra Rufa
Garra Rufa, also known as Doctor Fish or Garra Logsuckers, hail from various regions in the Middle East and eastern Mediterranean, including Syria, Turkey, Iran, and Iraq.
Though they are a hardy fish and capable of tolerating cooler waters, Garra Rufa are a tropical fish and will prefer such conditions. Unlike most algae eating fish and bottom feeders, Garra Rufa are rarely sedentary and will frequently swim the entire region of the aquarium. They are very peaceful and should be kept with like-minded fish.
Garra Rufa have attracted attention due to their unusual medical application. Doctor Fish have been increasingly used in specialized clinics to help clean and remove skin infected with psoriasis, while leaving healthy skin intact. While not a cure for the disease, they have been noted as being an effective therapeutic treatment for temporary alleviation of symptoms. Because of their success in the medical field, their use has become more widespread in recent years.
Unfortunately, Garra Rufa rarely breed in captivity. When they do, they act like typical egg scatterers. The parents must be removed to avoid predation upon the eggs. Males can be identified by their tubercles and they tend to have longer pectoral fins than female Garra Rufa.
These days most breeders and clinics resort to hormone injections to initiate spawning between Garra Rufa. There is much controversy over the ethics of this approach—not simply because injections are an unnatural method for initiating breeding, but also because of the pain and physical damage exercised upon the fish.
Housing Garra Rufa
Garra Rufa reach a maximum length of 16 centimeters (about 6-7 inches). While they are not the largest fish, they should be provided with plenty of swimming space and hiding places. They should be kept in an aquarium of at least 30 gallons.
Garra Rufa are a peaceful fish and should be kept with fish that possess a similar temperament. Much as their common name suggests, Garra Logsuckers enjoy sucking onto various things, including other fish. While this is not necessarily an act of aggression, the Garra Rufa can inadvertently cause damage to fish by either sucking off their slime coat or even removing scales. Garra Rufa will most likely target larger, slow-moving fish. As such, these types of fish should be avoided as tankmates.
Being fairly hardy, Garra Rufa can tolerate a range of water conditions and temperatures. PH should be maintained at 7.0 (neutral) and temperature should be held constant between 60 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit (15-25 degrees Centigrade).
Feeding Garra Rufa
While typically sold as algae eaters, Garra Rufa are not picky eaters. They are omnivores and will require a balanced diet. Algae and comparable vegetable mater should compose the core of their diet. Algae wafers, spirulina, and seaweed are great choices. Pieces of zucchini and unsalted green beans will usually be accepted as well.
Occasionally meaty foods should be supplemented into their diet. Pieces of fish flesh, shrimp flesh, and live foods such as bloodworms, blackworms, and brine shrimp are all accepted with gusto. If live foods are not available, make use of frozen substitutes.
Garra Rufa are an intriguing species. They are relatively hardy and capable of living within a range of conditions and communities. Breeding them is a challenge, and failing the use of hormone injection, they are considered unlikely to spawn in the aquarium. Hopefully those in the medical and commercial fields will develop more ethical methods of breeding these fish.
Source: Baensch, Hans; Fischer, Gero. Aquarium Atlas Photo Index. 2nd Edition. 1997.
Aaron Guzman - Aaron Guzman currently lives in Eureka, California and works as a freelance writer. He spends his spare time writing fiction, playing ...
