Dr. Fish Spa Therapy

We at Dr. Fish™ Spa Therapy make use of the toothless and harmless Garra Rufa Obtusa, since they have been proved worldwide to be the best and most adept at carrying out the natural exfoliation process.

Various types of so-called Doctor Fish are peddled around the world, look alike Garra rufa and “Chin-Chin”, which are common Nile Tilapia and which are not recommended for use in any type of treatment. They have been known to break the skin when they grow too big.

Main Impersonators

Most of what is on offer, seems to be juvenile Oreochromis niloticus (or hybrids of). Oreochromis niloticus is commonly known as common Tilapia in Malaysia! As hungry juvenile tilapia, this fish would swim in large numbers and would be bold enough to nibble on the arms and feet of people. These fish

Some other Garra Rufa impersonators

Garra bicornuta, Origin: Thunga river system in Karnataka and Kolhapur in Maharashtra. India

Garra annandalei – Origin: India, eastern Nepal and Bangladesh

Garra ceylonensis

Garra cambodgiensis – Origin: Mekong and Chao Phraya basins. Malay Peninsula

Garra congoensis – Origin: Lower Congo River, Africa

Garra flavatra – Origin: Myanmar

Garra fuliginosa – Origin: Chao Phrya and Mekong, Thailand

Garra gotyla – Origin: Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and upper Myanmar

Gyrinocheilus aymonieri Origin: Mekong, Chao Phraya and Meklong basins; northern Malay Peninsula

Garra imberba