So, whats your opinion on the subject?

[Near]

Hey guys, first of all let me wish you all a great day and thank you for sharing your opinions.

Now, I'm an owner of a lfs in Coahuila and I've got to say business is booming as we do offer some other services such as aquarium setups, designs, etc... Now onto the matter on hand, see, my problem arises when it comes to the Garra Rufas as we received a call from a client who wants to open a spa that in part offers the treatment from these little guys, and while I haven't really got a problem neither setting it up or getting them, it just seems a bit unsanitary... This is where I am a bit stuck on, as I'd like to inform him that there are risks to this, but I'm not sure onto how bad this is speaking in a human health type of way.

If you could help me with this info I'd appreciate it as I did some digging around, but didn't find anything too alarming.

Ah please don't mention how this might be cruel for the fish, I'm just trying to keep my business on a good track, and to be honest I'd rather set it up myself instead of having the guy go somewhere where they're going to do it badly and hurt the fish even more. In any case, who knows? With the info you provide some rufas might dodge a bullet... Or some nasty feet :/

 

[Too Many Choices]

I've always wondered how sanitary these spa's are. To be honest I've never been to one (I don't even think they're in Australia) but I honestly can't see how it could be hygienic. After all, these fish are eating dead skin and who knows what else of hundreds of different people all of whom are dipping their feet in the same water. I wouldn't go near the things.

In this statement though:

Ah please don't mention how this might be cruel for the fish, I'm just trying to keep my business on a good track, and to be honest I'd rather set it up myself instead of having the guy go somewhere where they're going to do it badly and hurt the fish even more

You seem to acknowledge that this is a cruel practice and the fish will be hurt. So I think it comes down to morals. Morally you know the truth but seem to be ignoring it.

My 2c.

 

[houie925]

As an LFS owner you must realize that many of the fish you sell will not live a long and healthy life. In this case the spa will be far more motivated than many private keepers to keep their fish alive and healthy as the fish will bring in part of their income. I would personally have no ethical problem with this.

On the other hand, I don't know how litigious Aussies are but if you are concerned about the fish causing harm to people, then I would worry about possibly having some civil liability.

 

[Near]

First of all let me say that I don't think its all that cruel, at the end of the day the fish are getting fed, but I am worried on the details... I can't really be held liable since as far as I know the rufas are legal in Mexico and what he does with them is pretty much up to him.

I just want some info to give him, which I'll keep looking for.

Id guess a cool thing out of all of this is that they're not going to be in tanks, but more of a natural spring looking pool. Which can be good and bad... Depending on how respectful are the people toward the no peeing haha