doctor fish
plural of doctor-fish
/ˈdɑktər ˌfɪʃ/
noun
- A small tropical fish (genus Garra or related) that nibbles dead skin from the bodies of bathers, used in fish spas for skin treatment.
- Many people find the tickling sensation of doctor-fish relaxing.
- The doctor-fish is popular in pedicure treatments because it exfoliates naturally.
- At the spa, they let the doctor-fish gently nibble the dead skin off your feet.
- Any of various small fish that are believed to clean wounds or skin, especially in traditional medicine.
- The doctor-fish in the river were known to clean the sores of swimmers.
- Ancient texts mention doctor-fish being placed in pools for therapeutic bathing.
- In some cultures, doctor-fish are used to help heal skin conditions.