Summary
Freshwater habitats and biodiversity are especially vulnerable to human activities and environmental change (Dudgeon et al. 2006). The deliberate or unintentional release of non-native species has negatively affected Australian freshwater biodiversity (Humphries and Walker 2013, {Arthington, 1997 #95)}. It is of upmost importance that the potential risk and reward of any species be evaluated before allowing that species to be imported into Australia.
Invasive fishes face many challenges in a new environment. Environmental tolerances, predation, nutrition, reproduction, dispersal and physical barriers all present challenges (Humphries and Walker 2013). Narrow tolerances (e.g. temperature, salinity, oxygen, turbidity, water velocity) limit a species’ ability to establish populations (Kolar and Lodge 2002).
Garra rufa is a benthoplagic, non-migratory freshwater fish indigenous to the Middle East. Although this species has wide temperature, oxygen density, and pollution tolerances, they have low fecundity and are found in streams with salinity levels practically unheard of in Australia.
There has been no previous risk assessments completed for the importation of G. rufa in Australia. However, they pose similar risks as other ornamental species which are regularly brought in to the country. Australian quarantine procedures are already in place to limit the biosecurity risks.
G. rufa are most commonly referred to as “Doctor Fish”, as they can feed on dead skin and hence have been used for the treatment of psoriasis and by the spa industry for pedicures (Ozcelik et al. 2000; Grassberger and Hoch 2006; Ozcelik and Akyol 2011). They have been imported to dozens of countries for this purpose as well as for the aquarium industry. There are no records of G. rufa establishing feral populations anywhere in the world.