Catappa leaves, also known as Indian Almond Leaves, come from the Terminalia catappatree. They have chemical healing properties, which may naturally help fight off mild bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infections. Therefore, these leaves are great for many different types of livestock including bettas, shrimp, community fish, and more.
Perfect Food For Shrimp
Catappa leaves break down in your aquarium from bacteria. This bacteria is a great food source for your shrimp. If you are leaving for vacation and want to make sure your shrimp don't go hungry, you can presoak some leaves in a bucket for 1–2 weeks and then drop them in the aquarium when they're nice and soft.
How Many Leaves to Add
Typically, we add 1 leaf for every 5-20 gallons of water, but it really depends on how many shrimp you are keeping. (If you're making a blackwater tank, then add more.) Most leaves last about 1–2 months until they break down completely. Once you start seeing holes develop in the first leaf, add a second leaf to give it time to start breaking down and releasing tannins.
I have ordered these Catappa Leaves a couple of times now. They are very nice. They are not so big that they become the focal point of smaller aquariums. They also have a very strong texture and hold their shape well once they have been boiled. My shrimp really enjoy them.
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Anne H. (Portland, OR, US)
Great enrichment for fish, snails and shrimp. Leaves arrive in excellent condition.
These are my favorite Catappa leaves of the many, many different brands I've tried. They arrive in just the right dried condition, not parched and crumbled, and they are a great size. All of the animals in the tanks where I use them enjoy them. They tint the water gently, grow (apparently) delicious biofilm, help support and protect bubble nests, make excellent hiding spaces and can be strategically wedged to break up sight lines.
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Jordan D. (San Luis Obispo, CA, US)
Big leaves
Nice big leaves, great quantity for the price
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Charles B. (Land O' Lakes, FL, US)
Turn one over
These are great for creating a more natural environment for your fish. Now they are at a good value for a pack of 20.
