Garra Rufa Europe

In some fish spas around the world, the Garra Rufa fish works hand in hand with it's close cousin, the Cyprinion Macrostomus. While the former is the "licker", the latter is the "striker". These omnivorous species are commonly known as the Nibble Fish, Kangal Fish or Reddish Log Suckers, but the most common name for them is "Doctor Fish™". Because of the role they play in the novelty trends in fish therapies, they are also called Little Dermatologists and Doctor Fish. Facts: These fishes that live in the hot springs of Kangal have gained world wide popularity for their curative benefits to skin disorder sufferers. Psoriasis patients in particular have vouched for their positive treatment results. There are 2 types of Garra Rufa fish involved. Both are from the cyprinidae family. Garra Rufa Obtusa (Lickers) -They have crescent shaped ventral mouths and can grow to a maximum length of 14 cm. -They have a lifespan of 7 years. -While they lick at the dead skin of humans for nourishment, they secret a healing substance into the slight wounds to promote healthy replacement skin. Cyprinion Macrostomus (Strikers) -They have 6 -8 irregularly arranged lateral spots of various sizes on their bodies. -They have terminal mouths and are 15 – 20 cm in length. -When food is insufficient in the warm waters, hungry strikers strike at the skin of humans in the pools. The striking, licking and sucking sensations of such micro-massage from these fishes contribute to the physio-therapeutic treatment of skin disorder sufferers.