Fishy Feet - 10th December 2010
Gara rufa Doctor fish now in stock and supplied by aquatic-store.co.uk Medical fish used accross the world in spa`s for treatments of many skin problems.
Doctor fish is the name given to two species of fish: Garra rufa and Cyprinion macrostomus. Other nicknames include nibble fish, kangal fish, and doctorfishen; in non-medical contexts, Garra rufa is called the reddish log sucker. They live and breed in the outdoor pools of some Turkish spas, where they feed on the skin of patients with psoriasis. The fish are like combfishes in that they only consume the affected and dead areas of the skin, leaving the healthy skin to grow, with the outdoor location of the treatment bringing beneficial effects. The spas are not meant as a curative treatment option, only as a temporary alleviation of symptoms, and patients usually revisit the spas every few months. Some patients have experienced complete cure of psoriasis after repeated treatments, but due to the unpredictable nature of the disease, which is strongly influenced by endogenous factors, this may simply be regression towards the mean.
Garra rufa occurs in the river basins of the Northern and Central Middle East, mainly in Turkey, Syria, Iraq and Iran. It is legally protected from commercial exploitation in Turkey due to concerns of overharvesting for export. Garra rufa can be kept in an aquarium at home; while not strictly a "beginner's fish", it is quite hardy. For treatment of skin diseases, aquarium specimens are not well suited as the skin-feeding behavior fully manifests only under conditions where the food supply is somewhat scarce and unpredictable.
Garra Rufa is a species of freshwater fish which breeds in the river basins of the Northern and Central Middle Eastern countries, mainly in Turkey, Syria, Iraq, Iran & Pakistan.
It is also called the Doctor Fish, because of the role it plays in healing people affected with skin problems like psoriasis for the past 400 years.
Garra Rufa also goes by the names of Nibble Fish, Kangal Fish and Doctor Fish.
In non-medical terms the fish is also called Reddish Log Sucker.
FACTS about Garra Rufa...
Originated from the Middle East in rivers & springs.
Researched species of fish in Turkey (Protected Species)
Release enzymatic secretions and Dithranol which is a component of dermatological creams for skin to regenerate faster.
Nibbles on dead skin cells by sucking on your skin, similar to exfoliation, the natural way.
Lifespan of 6 years.
Can grow up to 7cm in length.
Continues nibbling even when they are full.
Assist in temporary treatment of skin conditions such as psoriasis & eczema.
Supplied directly from Aquatic Store
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