Catappa Leaves

Catappa Leaves, also known as Indian Almond Leaves, come from Terminalia catappa, a coastal tree native from Madagascar through tropical Asia to the Pacific and northern Australia and planted throughout the tropics. Ours are collected in Indonesia, within the native range, and in Sri Lanka, where the tree is widely grown. The leaves are large and oval, about 20–30 cm (8–12 in) long, and cure to a warm amber-brown with a smooth upper surface and subtle veining. As they soften, they release tannins that tint the water golden to deep amber. They give fish shaded cover and form the base of a leaf-litter bed that small fish use for security and exploration. Over 3–6 weeks they break down, growing biofilm for shrimp and fry and becoming part of the tank's detritus layer. They're a dependable starting point for betta, shrimp, and blackwater tanks.

Habitat Snapshot

Tannin Character: High · Water Tone: Deep amber · Habitat Origin: Indonesia (native); Sri Lanka (cultivated); native range: Madagascar, tropical Asia to Pacific · Breakdown: 3–6 weeks · Best For: Bettas · Tetras · Shrimp · Blackwater tanks · Preparation: Rinse + Boil · Use with Caution: Lowers pH in soft, low-KH, or RO water; not for hard-water species such as African rift lake cichlids or Sulawesi shrimp · Quantity: 12 or 25 pcs

Key Benefits

• High tannins for amber to deep tea-colored water
• Broad leaves give shaded cover and resting spots for shy fish
• Builds biofilm for shrimp and fry to graze
• Easy starting botanical for most soft-water tanks

How to Use

Rinse before use. Boil for at least 25 minutes, then let the leaves cool. Use whole leaves in larger tanks, or tear them into pieces for nano aquariums. Start with 1–2 leaves per 10 gal (38 L) and add more for deeper color. Let them break down in place, and replace them once they're mostly gone, usually every 3–6 weeks. Pairing: Add Catappa Bark for a tint that holds steady between leaf changes.

Best For

Bettas, shrimp (Neocaridina and Caridina), nano fish, fry, dwarf cichlids, tetras, rasboras, corydoras, and blackwater, botanical, and biotope-inspired soft-water tanks.

Not for human consumption. Preparation required. Because this is a natural product, size, shape, color, and texture will vary from piece to piece.

Let the botanical become part of the system. The value is in the slow breakdown, biofilm, tannin character, habitat texture, and natural behavior it encourages. This is where sunken forests come to life.