They might not reach the specimen sizes and cult status of carp for coarse anglers but the
Doctor Fish with its distinctive deep tail, rounded fins, red eye and olive colouring is one of the best coarse fish.
But the real dwellers are the
doctor fish, or garra rufa, in the spring below it.
I've seen it through all the ups and the downs - from the variations of Santa's grotto's, the *interesting*
Doctor fish spa, to meeting former Prime Minister Gordon Brown outside Cash Converter.
These "
doctor fish," as they are nicknamed, when placed in a warm bath of 25[degrees]C to 30[degrees]C, will also eat human skin when starved of their natural food source.
Tribune News Network It might all sound a little bit fishy but the Garra Ruffa or
doctor fish as it is most frequently referred to is nature's secret little weapon in the battle against dead skin.
Isolation of Streptococcus agalactiae and an aquatic birnavirus from
doctor fish Garra rufa L.
The Anantara Spa and the Balance Wellness Centre at Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara is offering for the first time in Qatar the natural therapy using garra ruffa or
doctor fish. "The toe-sized carp gently nibbles away rough skin from the feet of spa customers and also provide a rejuvenating effect," said Nazely Mohamed, director of the Anantara Spa and the Balance Wellness Centre.
Should you feel the need for some spa treatment, there are also small pools inhabited by appropriately named
doctor fish, which nibble harmlessly and painlessly at feet that are dipped in.
Small tributaries and rivers of the forest support the fish such as striped Rasbora, walking catfish, Gal Pandiya (
Doctor Fish) and endemic Comb Tail.
The treatment takes place when feet are introduced into a tank of water that is filled with hundreds of freshwater fish, called Garra Rufa, or popularly known as
doctor fish. The fish, which normally live in river basins of Turkey, Syria, Iraq and Iran, nibble on the dead skin to remove it.
Exotic water creatures like the Jelly Fish, Arowana, Asian Arowana, Alligator Gar, Black Ghost, Sting Ray, African Cichids,
Doctor fish, Clown, Damsel, Angels, Shrimps, Invertebrates, Lionfish and the Stingray are also available.
Another is the Fish Spa, which is a spa area featuring the special
doctor fish or Garra Ruffa fish from Asia.