Garra Rufa

Garra Rufa are often called Doctor Fish or Nibble Fish as they have been used to help treat psoriasis by nibbling away the flaking, inflamed skin. They are also referred to as Pedicure Fish because their use has been integrated into spas.  They clean off the dead skin to reveal the smooth, callous-free skin, and cleaner-looking cuticles.  The Garra Rufa do not have teeth but instead has a mouth that sucks and licks the dead skin.  This makes a painless pedicure!

These fish like warm water and can survive happily in water up to 100 degrees F!

Several US states have banned the use of Garra Rufa in spas as they are deemed “unsanitary.” However, the CDC has no verified reports of any illnesses spread by pedicure spas that directly link to Garra Rufa.