University of duhok
College of veterinary medicine
Garra rufa
Fish
By
Jivan Q. Ahmad
DATE, 12 DEC, 2009
Garra rufa fish
Has been known for over four hundred years as “Doctor fish”. In
its natural habitat this fish feeds on small organisms that live within
these thermal springs. However, in these hot springs, few
organisms thrive and food for this fish is scarce. They have thus
evolved to be curious creatures that would nibble on anything
foreign introduced into the water in the hope of food. While
nibbling, the fish exude a unique enzyme called dithranol
(anthralin) which prevents fast development of cells from the skin,
thereby alleviating Psoriasis.
Garra rufa is legally protected from commercial exploitation in
Turkey due to concerns of over harvesting for export. As such this
fish is not often seen in the aquarium trade.
Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Cypriniformes
Family: Cyprinidae
Genus: Garra
Species: rufa
Size: Up to 15cm/5", according to museum records, but usually
around 10cm/4".
Geographical distribution
A non-migratory freshwater fish found in rivers through much of
Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Turkey and Syria. There are also unconfirmed
reports of the species in Oman and Saudi Arabia, but these aren't
considered compatible with the distributional range of the species.
Habitat: According to Krupp and Schneider, most Garra rufa are
found in small muddy streams, rivers and lakes. However, the fish
is also found in hot pools and locals bathe there in an attempt to
get the fish to remove scales from their skin caused by a range of
dermatological conditions.
Water: Temperatures in the natural habitat are said to range from
15-28C. In hot pools, the fish is said to live at a temperature
around the 37C mark.
Diet
While sometimes sold as algae eaters, Garra are not dedicated
algae eaters and need a mix of foods in the aquarium. Algae
wafers of the type sold for loricariid catfish will certainly work well
as a staple, but these should be supplemented with frozen
bloodworms and other small invertebrates.
Social behaviour and breeding
Wild Garra often form large schools, a behaviour that doesn't seem
to happen in the aquarium, where individual fish are often feisty
and highly territorial, chasing away members of their own species
as well as any other fishes that are considered potential threats or
rivals. Keeping Garra in large groups (six or more specimens) may
help encourage them to get along, but failing that, these fish are
usually best kept one to a tank.
Sexing Garra is difficult because few species show consistent
differences in the colouration of the two sexes. However, in most
cases mature males in breeding condition will develop tubercles on
the head similar to those seen on goldfish. Similarly, females in
breeding condition should show a rounded abdomen and
altogether more robust build than otherwise.
Garra ceylonensis, Garra rufa, and a few other species have been
bred in aquaria. The parents scatter a few hundred eggs among
the plants, after which they should be removed because they will
likely eat the eggs given the chance. The eggs hatch within a
couple of days, and the fry a free swimming three or four days
later. The fry are quite easy to rear and will accept algae, prepared
foods, and small live foods such as infusoria.
Refrences
• [Link]
hordates/ray-finned-fishes/carps-amp-minnows/carps-amp-
minnows/garra/garra-rufa
• [Link]
subaction=showfull&id=1197972934&archive=&start_from=&
ucat=4&
• [Link]
id=1066
