Doctor Fish

Garra rufa

Doctor Fish (Garra rufa) — Varies care, Peaceful, under Other. Minimum tank in the app: 29 US gal min; aim for 57–68°F and pH 6.5–7.5. Doctor Fish are intriguing mid-water swimmers that can thrive in a moderately cool environment, making them suitable for specialized setups.

Doctor Fish (Garra rufa) in a planted freshwater aquarium
Care levelVaries
TemperamentPeaceful
Min tank size29 US gal min
pH range6.5–7.5
Temperature57–68°F
Max size4.7 in (12.0 cm)
Captive lifespan5–10 years
SchoolingNo

Captive lifespan reflects typical experience in a home aquarium, not maximum recorded age; genetics, sourcing, and care vary.

Natural distribution

Asia

  • East & Southeast Asia

Regional colours match the stocking calculator’s origin map.

Doctor Fish Tank Setup

Create a balanced environment with ample mid-water space complemented by structural hiding spots to promote comfort and reduce territorial disputes. Consider moderate water flow and subdued lighting to mimic their natural habitat, opting for a substrate that allows for easy movement and foraging.

What Do Doctor Fishs Eat?

Doctor Fish are omnivorous and display a moderate feeding speed, which can lead to competitive feeding scenarios. Providing a varied diet is crucial for maintaining their health and enhancing coloration, as they thrive on a mix of high-quality flakes, pellets, and occasional live or frozen foods.

Doctor Fish Tank Mates

These fish generally coexist well with similarly sized and temperamented species, such as certain tetras and rasboras. Avoid overly aggressive or fin-nipping species, as this can exacerbate their semi-aggressive tendencies. When kept in groups, a single individual can exhibit stress if isolated, hence consider at least a pair or trio to enhance confidence.

Are Doctor Fishs Good for Beginners?

Care demand varies with setup and individual fish; use the numbers above as your baseline. Aquarists often underestimate the importance of tank structure, leading to stress when these fish feel exposed. Overcrowding can also lead to aggression, while neglecting their preferred temperature range may impact their health and behavior.

Building a community? Run the full list through the stocking calculator before you add anything else.

Log tests and reminders in App-aquatic—free, same data you see here.