AquaArt, a Qatar-based distributor of top aquarium brands and exotic aquatic fish and plants, will showcase the health benefits of ‘doctor fish’ at an upcoming aquatic expo.

The company will highlight ‘Garra Rufa’, popularly known as ‘doctor fish’ which help treat skin diseases, at the upcoming ‘Aquariya Expo 2009’, the largest consumer event for the marine aquarium industry in the Middle East.

This is in line with AquaArt’s aims to introduce alternative health and beauty treatments, using this unique aquatic species, to spas and hotels in the UAE.

In addition to ‘doctor fish’, AquaArt will also exhibit a wide range of unique aquarium products and design services from its current portfolio of offerings during the three-day event, to be held from March 4 to 6, in Dubai.

Native to the hot springs of Turkey, ‘doctor fish’ has been known to help alleviate a medical condition called ‘Psoriasis’, by encouraging them to feed on the psoriatic skin of people afflicted, making it a popular attraction among spas, manicure and pedicure centres, and health and beauty salons in Asia and the US.

The fish only gently sucks on and scrubs the affected areas while at the same time exuding ‘Ditranol’ (a mild antiseptic) from its lips over the skin area, which can provide smoother and softer skin after treatment.

AquaArt is also a specialist in the design and construction of ‘fish spas’ to provide proper husbandry and care of these ‘doctor fish’ as well as the hygiene in the therapy ponds for its human patrons.

The proper design of these fish spa filtration systems is of utmost importance in order to keep these prized fish in optimum condition, replicating its natural hot spring environment.

“With the growing popularity of alternative health and beauty treatments, the unique ‘doctor fish’ has caught the interest not only of fish hobbyists but also those who are seeking unconventional treatments and therapeutic benefits,” said Kevin Tan, general manager, AquaArt.

In addition to AquaArt, 49 other exhibitors from over 15 countries, have confirmed their participation at the event, along with industry experts who will be talking about the new trends and breakthroughs in the market.

“We are expecting 5,000 manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, retailers, and hobbyists in ornamental and exotic fish to attend the show, which underlines the draw of ‘Aquariya Expo 2009’ among local and international aquarium enterprises,” concluded Raees Ahmed, director, Orange Fairs & Events, the organiser of the event.-TradeArabia News Service