Aquarium species profile

Doctor Fish

Garra rufa · Middle East / West Asia (Turkey, Syria, Iraq, Iran)

Minimum tank30 gal

Adult size4"

Care levelEasy

TemperamentPeaceful

Temperature70–80°F

pH range6.5–8.0

Diet

Omnivore – algae, biofilm, algae wafers, vegetables; will nibble on skin (hence 'doctor fish')

Compatible tank mates

Medium community fish, barbs, danios, loaches

Tank mates to avoid

Slow-moving or long-finned fish (will rasp at them), delicate fish

Care notes

Famous as the 'pedicure fish' used in spas. Prolific algae eater and biofilm grazer. Active schooling fish. Tolerates wide parameters. Will occasionally rasp on other slow fish — monitor.

Check the whole aquarium. Tank size alone does not establish compatibility. Confirm adult size, water overlap, social grouping, territory, diet, and the individual animals before stocking.

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