Mahogany Pod Sections

Mahogany Pod Sections are the woody valves of the mahogany seed capsule (Swietenia spp.). Ours are collected locally in Puerto Rico, where planted West Indian and big-leaf mahogany have crossed into mixed populations, so the pods vary in size and shape. Each section is boat-shaped and smooth on the inside, typically 5–15 cm (2–6 in) long and 2–4 cm (0.8–1.6 in) wide. They are dense, release very little tannin, and grow biofilm steadily during their 1–3 months in the tank. Their real value is structure. Set on the substrate, they give small fish and shrimp low cover, mark out territories, and break up open sand. They suit Caribbean and Neotropical biotopes and work as a stand-in elsewhere.

Habitat Snapshot

Tannin Character: Low · Water Tone: Clear to faint tint · Habitat Origin: Collected in Puerto Rico (genus native to the Neotropics) · Breakdown: 1–3 months · Best For: Shelter · Territory markers · Biofilm grazing · Preparation: Rinse + Boil + Soak · Use with Caution: May float until fully waterlogged; soak until pods sink before adding · Quantity: 8 or 12 pcs

Key Benefits

• Sculptural boat shape that holds its form in the tank
• Very low tannin output and little effect on water color
• Steady biofilm growth for grazing shrimp and fish
• Scales from nano to large tanks by how many you group

How to Use

Rinse thoroughly. Boil for at least 25 minutes, then let the pods soak in the cooled water until they sink. Place 3–5 pods per 10 gal (38 L) on the substrate. Group them to create cover and territory edges, and turn some cupped side down for shelter. Replace or supplement as they soften, usually in 1–3 months. Pairing: Scatter Catappa Leaves around the pods to add leaf litter and tannins.

Best For

Caribbean and Neotropical biotopes and mixed botanical setups with wild bettas, dwarf cichlids, tetras, corydoras, or shrimp where you want structure without heavy staining.

Please Note: 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.