A few weeks ago St Julian’s welcomed a host of lively new residents: hundreds of tiny Garra Rufa fish whose job is to offer natural pedicures by gently sucking away at unwanted dead skin on your feet and ankles. The great-value, feel-good therapy promises to simultaneously exfoliate and massage the feet, leaving them softer, lighter and more refreshed.

“This innovative treatment has actually been around in Turkey for centuries,” explains Matthew Gatt, one of The Fish Lounge’s directors. “It is still relatively new to Europe but is gaining popularity very fast, as it is a truly fascinating experience that combines enjoyment and health.”

The experience is great fun and very simple: patrons have their feet checked for contra-indications and then washed to ensure no dirt or residue from beauty creams makes it into the tanks. Their feet are then dipped into the crystal-clear water where the fish instinctively begin to gently suck away at the keratinous layer of the skin, just like mini vacuum cleaners.

“It’s completely pain free as the fish don’t have any teeth; unlike the fish that come nibble at you by surprise in the sea,” smiles Mr Gatt. “In fact this feels fantastic, like little bubbles floating around your feet; it makes most people giggle. All of our patrons who have tried it so far have loved it; several clients are even coming back on a regular basis.”

Naturally, hygiene is an integral concern for The Fish Lounge, and the company has invested heavily in the latest and most effective custom made equipment to guarantee the cleanest water possible. “We’re dealing with feet at the end of the day, and everyone is concerned about the possibility of the transmission of infections,” states Mr Gatt.

Thus, a top-quality system is installed inside each of the 10 stations, with both mechanical and UV filtration methods occurring concurrently. The water is recycled every six minutes, ensuring it is completely clean before, during and after every treatment.

Mr Gatt and his business partners were also extremely careful to source the original and very best Garra Rufa fish for the job, as cheaper imitations are sold in over 90% of cases. “This can lead to less effective results, not to mention unpleasant nips as these imitation fish could also have teeth.

“We’re very proud of our product and are pleased to be able to offer something new, innovative, safe and exciting to the local market. Each session can last for 15 or 30 minutes, and it’s a great way to relax and have fun while also giving your feet a treat. We’re sure it’s going to prove very popular,” he adds.