nibbling fish (for dead skin)

another species of fish which many are unaware can be found in singapore is the nibbling fish. you do not have to go to fish spas in japan, south korea or china to experience the tingling sensation provided by these tiny, nibbling fish. you can have it here in singapore. there is a fish reflexology at the underwater world in sentosa. you can also get this treatment - removal of dead skin - at qian hu at sungei tengah.

the fish, which measures between 2cm and 4cm, are toothless and they use their suction power to remove the dead skin. these fish (garra rufa) have been used for hundreds of years in turkey to combat dry skin problem.

this species, the garra rufa, are found in the river basins in the middle east, including syria, iraq, iran and turkey.

the fish eat only the dead areas of the skin, leaving the healthy skin alone. the smaller fish are better for this job. in some spas, when the fish grow too big, they are taken off the pond as they can cause some discomfort.

over at qian hu, you pay $10 for a half-hour session whereas at sentosa you are charged $35 for 20 min of fish therapy, followed by 20 min of foot reflexology.