November 19, 2008

Though two states have recently banned the practice, fish pedicures continue to be popular at some Florida salons. (Pet Pulse Photo by Kris O'Donnell)

ORLANDO -- The idea of tiny fish nibbling at your feet may not sound very appealing at first, but to many people, it's downright exhilarating.

"They actually attacked the foot all together," fish spa novice Megan Maguire said. "Every fish I think went for the big toe and they went up the leg."

Maguire is talking about her first experience with fish that administer "pre-pedicures" for a living.

At the Nailz Spa in Sanford, Fla., fish pedicures have been on the spa menu for the past six months. Owner David Hoang says his clients rave about the experience.

"They come back and they just love it and they thank me for bringing it to the local area," Hoang said.

At The Spa in Orlando, Arturo Diaz also tried a fish pedicure for the first time.

"It feels, at the beginning, very ticklish but then it kind of eases up and feels kind of therapeutic," Diaz said. "It really feels relaxing."

While spa goers might find the trend rejuvenating, the exotic practice begs to question how it impacts the tiny fish called Garra Ruffa.

According to biologist John Fauth, Ph.D., Garra Ruffa can easily tolerate life in a spa.

"It's related to minnows and carps and goldfish, for example, so those are notoriously hardy fish," Fauth said of the Garra Ruffa, a native fish to Turkey.

To that end, salons must get permission from U.S. Fish and Wildlife to bring the fish into the country.

Once in U.S. spas, the fish find a familiar habitat, as the Garra Ruffa typically live in streams where the temperature reaches 80 degrees or more.

During business hours, the fish feed off of and remove the dead skin of spa patrons. It's a behavior Fauth says comes very naturally to the fish because they'll go after anything that looks edible.

"They'll sit there and pick it off and these fish are particularly well adapted for it," Fauth said.

To make sure it's safe for their tiny little employees, both salons thoroughly wash clients' feet beforehand to remove any lotion or chemicals.

"And we check for bug bites, open wounds, cuts to make sure there's nothing that will harm the fish," Hoang said.

After 15 minutes or so of fish nibbling, clients then move on for a traditional pedicure.

Here in Florida, there are no laws against fish pedicures and business appears to be booming.

But two states, Washington and Texas, recently banned the practice, citing health concerns.

"Under state law, it says that all tools used in pedicures must be sanitized, disinfected or disposed of after each use between customers to prevent the spread of disease and infections," Washington's Department of Licensing spokeswoman, Christine Anthony, previously told Pet Pulse said.

"We felt the fish were being used as tools and there was no way to sanitize them. You can change the water in an aquarium, but you can't clean the fish."

Hoang, however, says fish pedicures are safe and sanitary for all parties involved, as long as the water is changed after each use.

Once a client's session is complete, Hoang scoops the fish out, drains the water and cleans the tub with bleach. He then rubs a chemical around the tub to make it safe for the fish, which get fed twice a day.

Despite the potential of the two states' ban sparking a trend, Maguire and Diaz say they will continue to spread the word of fish pedicures.

"I would recommend this to people because I think, naturally, this is what the fish do," Diaz said. "So it's completely normal and safe."

"I'm actually quite glad that I did it," Maguire said. "I might do it again. It's actually very interesting and it's awesome."

The fish pedicures average $40 to $45. For more information, visit Fishspaz.com or Thespallc.com.

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