Doctor Fish (Garra rufa)
Fish in the family Cyprinidae. Easy care. Freshwater.
Quick facts
Scientific nameGarra rufa
FamilyCyprinidae
Also known asRed Garra, Reddish Log Sucker, Nibble Fish
Care levelEasy
Reef safetyFreshwater
TemperamentPeaceful
Dietomnivore
Adult size4.5 in
Minimum tank size30 gallons
Water parametersTemp 70-82°F, pH 6.5-8.0, GH 5-20 dGH
Appearance
Plain tan-grey torpedo body with a sucker-like mouth used to graze biofilm and algae.
Difficulty and care for the Doctor Fish
Easy
Origin and habitat
Middle East / Western Asia (Tigris-Euphrates basin and nearby rivers)
Keeper notes
Peaceful grazing bottom fish; the 'nibbling' species used in spa pedicures. Active and needs flow.
Log Doctor Fish in your reef tank
Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Doctor Fish alongside everything else in your reef.
