Garra rufa, image by Brian H Risbridger

Garra rufa     (Heckel, 1843)
Synonyms: Discognathus crenulatus, Discognathus lamta, Discognathus obtusus, Discognathus rufus, Garra lamta, Garra rufa, Garra rufa crenulata, Garra rufa gymnothorax, Garra rufa obtusa, Garra rufus
Common Name: Doctor Fish
Other Common Names: Red Garra, Reddish Logsucker 
Family: Cyprinidae
Continent: Europe & Asia
Distribution: Jordan, Turkey, Syria.
Habitat: freshwater streams, lakes & ponds
Food: algae, small live foods and sinking commercial foods
Water Temperature: 15-28°C
Water Chemistry: pH 6.0-8.0
FBAS Size:    Males [130mm]    Females [130mm]
FBAS Class: M
Temperament: inoffensive; good community fish
Aquarium Size: 60cm or longer
Gender Differences: females plumper
Breeding: egglayer
Additional Information: Prefers muddy bottoms. The latest craze (2010) is to have a pond full of these fish feed off the dead skin of the body, it is said this treatment is good for skin complaints. Most of these fish are imported from Turkey

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