Dr. Fish Spa Therapy

Dr. Fish Therapies are on the increase in Malaysia as Australians are flocking to take advantage of the increasing dollar. Quote below comes from “Malaysian Hotel News” -

“Wellness, health and beauty travel has been on the rise throughout South-East Asia over the last few years, and Malaysia is also seeing an increase of travelers seeking some rest, relaxation and pampering.

In Bukit Bintang Starhill Plaza is renowned for its upmarket boutiques, but on the top floor travellers can find the “pamper level” which sees several spas and salons all housed in the one area.  Due to this, prices are quite reasonable, for example a two and a half hour scrub, massage and facial at Kanebo will put you back by around AU$90.

For something a little more exotic, a foot massage and a session with the doctor fish can be had at nearby Pavilion.  “Doctor Fish” is the more friendly term for the Garra Rufa breed of fish who happen to enjoy nibbling on dead skins cells (but will leave your healthy bits alone).  A half-hour session with these little beasts can also be joined with a half-hour reflexology treatment at the chain store Kenko for around AU$25.

Doctor fish can also be found at local markets and other shopping locations for cheaper.  But as the fish are notoriously hard to keep, travellers are advised to do their research on the store.”

We are receiving a lot of feedback that there are a lot of untrustworthy suppliers taking advantage of the recent increase in demand in the Dr. Fish market. Make sure you check your suppliers background carefully and ensure they are the real deal.

One buyer from the U.S. had been guaranteed a shipment of Garra rufa only to receive a shipment of Tilapia Rendalli’s all of which were seized by the U.S. customs officials.

Officials claimed that in the U.S. 90% of fish labeled as Garra rufa are in fact Baby Nile Tilapia and are seized. In fact most of the fish being used in Spas are in fact the wrong type of fish but Spa owners in their haste to start there business did not carry out the proper research and are unaware they are using the wrong fish.

Fines

Many Governmental agencies have declared it illegal to import these Tilapia as they are branded an invasive species. They breed rapidly and can upset the balance of the local ecosystem. In some countries you can be charged with stiff fines for attempting to import these fish even if you had intentionally tried to import genuine Garra rufa.

Report Scam Suppliers

If you are the victim of such a scam please let us know so we can make others aware of dubious suppliers.

You can see a catalog of imitation fish that have been used to impersonate the Garra Rufa here Garra rufa Impersonators