Garra Rufa History
The Garra Rufa fish or ‘Doctor Fish’ as they are more commonly known, were first discovered in the early 19th century, in the rivers Jordan, Tigris and Euphrates in southern Turkey, northern Syria, Iran and Iraq.
As the story goes, in 1917 a shepherd with an injured foot came across the fish. While tending his injury in the warm spring waters he noticed small fish nibbling his wound and was surprised at the rapid healing of the wound. Word soon spread and people began flocking to the outdoor hot springs at Sivas near Kangal inTurkey.
Originally public baths were built, and in the 50s and 60s several resorts were built which developed in to Spas, attracting visitors from all over the world seeking treatment for all types of skin disorders, such as psoriasis and calluses. The mineral-rich water of the natural springs is believed to aid in the healing process.
Originating from the Carp family of fish, the inch long fish can survive/thrive in temperatures from 35C to 43c and have an average life span of seven years. It is legally protected from commercial exploitation in Turkey due to concerns of overharvesting for export.
The fish feed on algae, phytoplanktons and zooplanktons. At times these sources of food can become rare due to fluctuating temperatures. This has led to the Garra rufa seeking out alternative means of nutrition, which over time has become dead skin cells of local bathers in the rivers.
