The Kangal psoriasis fish (Garra rufa) has become famous because the population of this species, which is widespread in the Middle East, living in the Turkish Kangal thermal baths can be used to provide relief for people suffering from serious skin diseases (neurodermatitis, psoriasis, etc.). This is due to the fact that this sucking barb is not shy towards humans and grazes them, as it usually does with algae-covered stones. Growth, i.e. algae and the microorganisms it contains, form the natural diet of the Kangal psoriasis fish.
In humans, the grazing process very gently removes dead skin cells and thus promotes the healing of inflamed areas. Young fish in particular are obsessed with cleaning and eating algae. The self-experiment, during which the picture shown here was taken, clearly showed that the small Garra rufa (we only have offspring in stock) nibbled on my arm as if it were a root; Garra rufa can be recommended without hesitation as a great algae eater for the aquarium. After all, what other algae eater can you show friends and acquaintances as a trained fish that voluntarily swims to your hand as soon as you put it in the aquarium?
Garra rufa is very easy to care for and tolerates temperatures between 16 and 30°C. They should definitely be kept in a shoal. Their maximum size is around 10 cm TL.
For our customers: the species has code 416451 (2-3 cm), 416452 (3-4 cm) and 416453 (4-5 cm) on our stock list. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.
Text & Photos: Frank Schäfer
