Garra fish are popular in aquariums all over the world. They are naturally found in Turkish waters. Additionally, they are readily used in the cosmetics industry. It turns out that these fish are very good at removing dead skin. Check the living conditions of the Garra rufa species, as well as what these animals need to live long and in good condition.
Cuticle-eating fish – Garra rufa
Garra rufa fish are actually not that small at all. They can reach up to 24 cm in length, although slightly smaller individuals are usually used in cosmetics. They are also usually found in aquariums. Palestinians are usually much smaller, while those from Iraq are much larger.
The animals do not have marked sexual dimorphism. Even advanced aquarists have difficulty distinguishing between the sexes of the Garra rufa species. Garra males are usually slightly larger, while females are stockier. The coloration is the same. Fish that eat the epidermis have a gray-brown color, as well as a light, metallic sheen. Due to their appearance, they are also called Stone Wonders. These fish, under the right conditions, can live up to 10 years.
The origin of the Garra stern
Garra rufa is a fish that lives naturally mainly in Asia. It is especially popular in Turkey, which is where its popularity comes from. The suction barbell lives primarily in rivers and streams, especially those filled with algae. They appreciate highly sunlit areas and, at the same time, well-oxygenated water, usually rushing. Despite this, it is also able to survive for a short time in stagnant, dirty water.
Garra rufa – breeding
Garra species requires appropriate conditions to maintain good condition. Below you will find information that may be useful to you.
Feeding Garra poop
While peeling fish can eat human epidermis as well, it is obviously not a staple food for them – or even an attractive food additive. In aquariums Garra rufa eat primarily plant food. Tablets with the addition of spirulina serve them particularly well. Disinfected, raw foods such as spinach and cucumber will also work.
The diet of the Garra species is supplemented with animal foods. Frozen foods, such as bloodworm or a pipe, are especially recommended. If you are feeding raw, live food, earthworms, for example, work well. However, be sure to source them from a reliable source. If it is impossible, disinfect them thoroughly, so as not to infect the fish with various parasites or protozoa.
The aquarium for Garra rufa
If you dream of breeding Garra rufa, you must first of all invest in a very large tank. Garra fish need an aquarium of at least 120 cm. Ideally, the conditions should be as close as possible to their natural environment, i.e. a rushing river.
The Garra fish tank should be equipped with a filter. Ideally, it should have several filter media. A sprinkler is also necessary, as it sets the water in motion, which allows it to be better oxygenated. Remember about a rich plant population, preferably of species that offer a lot of hiding places.
Garra stern – water
Apart from a high level of oxygen, Garra rufa fish do not have high requirements when it comes to water. It should be in constant motion, which you must take into account. However, no heater is required because the temperature range accepted by the Garra grade is very wide.
Keep in mind that Garra fish are great at adapting to different conditions. For this reason, they can be considered an invasive species. These fish can live with other species as long as they are not aggressive. In this case, they will prove themselves in a multi-species tank.
Habits of Garra stern
Garra rufa are fish that live in large herds. They are relatively gentle and outgoing. For this reason, they perform well in multi-species aquariums. At the same time, however, these fish can be aggressive, especially when the stock is too small. In such a situation, individuals of the Garra species attack primarily fish that are similar to each other. For this reason, it is recommended that Garra rufa live primarily in large shoals.
Garra rufa – reproduction
Garra fish reproduce relatively easily. Even for novice aquarists, getting fry is not that difficult at all. Very often, it is not even necessary to change the conditions very much, if the conditions in the aquarium are appropriate. However, due to the risk of eating the eggs, it is a good idea to invest in a so-called spawning tank.
In the case of Garra stern, breeding, in the case of a separate spawning tank, is based on the separation of the pair. The tank should be relatively large and half full with water. Then add cooler supplies to it, and feed the fish abundantly with live food. Equip the bottom with a special roe grate, thanks to which the fish will not be able to eat it after folding it.
The Garra rufa species is ready to hatch after a maximum of three days, and it should be fed after about a week. For this purpose, use special food intended for fry.
Garra rufa – price
The Garra stern price is not high and does not exceed a few zlotys. The problem is that they are often difficult to find in standard stores. In such a situation, it remains to find local breeders. Remember to place any fish in quarantine before placing them in the main tank. This way you will avoid spreading disease.
Fish eating the epidermis – how much does the treatment cost?
Garra stern to a wider audience are known as fish that eat dead skin. This is a very important clarification, because the chin-chin species is often used for the same purpose. This one, however, has teeth instead of a suction cup. As a result, it not only removes dead epidermis, but also damages living tissue. For this reason, it is necessary to carefully check with which fish the treatment is performed. In Polish, Garra rufa are called sucking barbels.
A one-time session using fish biting the epidermis lasts up to half an hour. It is effective for fish that are of the correct size, approximately 4 cm. The effects after one treatment are sometimes noticeable, but it depends largely on the condition of the feet. Garra species is used not only for cosmetic pedicure, but also for people suffering from skin diseases, e.g. psoriasis. A several-minute session with the use of Garra rufa costs from several dozen zlotys.
Garra rufa are small fish with a wide range of uses. They are also eagerly chosen for aquariums. You know what conditions they need. Check if they will be a good choice for your tank as well.
