Indian Almond Catappa Leaves (Terminalia catappa) 25 Count

Establish the gold standard of natural water conditioning and bioactive forest-floor layering with all-natural Indian Almond Leaves. Sourced from the Terminalia catappa tree, these versatile, tannin-rich botanicals gently lower pH, inhibit pathogens with natural antimicrobial compounds, foster abundant biofilm for shrimp and fry, and serve as an essential staple for wild bettas, dwarf cichlids, and dart frog vivariums.

Widely celebrated under the names Catappa and Ketapang, Indian Almond leaves are arguably the most essential botanical in the freshwater and vivarium hobbies. Sourced naturally and sun-dried to preserve their concentrated organic compounds, these leaves slowly infuse the water column with beneficial humic acids, flavonoids, and tannins. This natural infusion replicates the soft, acidic, amber-tinted waters of Southeast Asian and Amazonian stream beds—conditions where wild bettas, dwarf cichlids, and delicate freshwater shrimp thrive. In bioactive vivariums and amphibian setups, Catappa leaves provide essential floor coverage, sheltering microfauna while offering an organic base for brewing protective, antifungal "tadpole tea." Ranging from 5 to 10 inches, this mixed-size 25-pack provides complete coverage for nano tanks, large displays, and living terrarium soils alike.

Key Features

• The Cornerstone of Blackwater Biotopes: Releases rich, natural tannins and humic acids that aid in water softening and gentle pH buffering, recreating authentic wild blackwater habitats.
• Proven Antimicrobial & Immune Support: Packed with natural organic compounds documented to inhibit fungal and bacterial growth, support mucosal coat health, and reduce environmental stress in fish and amphibians.
• Nutrient-Dense Biofilm Graze-Pad: Softening leaf tissue rapidly cultivates an abundant microbial biofilm layer, serving as an ongoing, natural supplementary food source for dwarf shrimp, fry, and grazing snails.
• Vivarium Ground Cover & Tadpole Rearing: Functions as a soft, moisture-retaining leaf-litter blanket for poison dart frogs, or can be steeped into a concentrated botanical tea to protect rearing tadpoles from waterborne pathogens.
• 100% Organically Sourced & Naturally Dried: Harvested without chemical fertilizers, artificial preservatives, dyes, or pesticides—completely safe for sensitive amphibians, dwarf shrimp, and reptiles.

Specifications

• Botanical Name: Terminalia catappa
• Common Names: Indian Almond Leaves, Catappa Leaves, Ketapang Leaves
• Origin: India / Tropical Asia
• Leaf Dimensions: Mixed assorted sizes ranging from approximately 13 to 25 cm L (5"–10" L)
• Quantity: 25 Pack
• Tannin Level: High
• Submerged Longevity: 2 to 4 weeks before structural breakdown
• Applications: Blackwater aquariums, betta tanks, freshwater dwarf shrimp breeding, dart frog vivariums, tadpole rearing cups, and bioactive terrariums
• Target Species: Betta fish (Betta splendens & wild varieties), dwarf cichlids (Apistogramma), Neocaridina & Caridina dwarf shrimp, poison dart frogs, tadpoles, isopods, and springtails

Keeper’s Tips

• Aquarium Dosing & Direct Addition: Add 1 to 2 leaves per 10 gallons of aquarium water directly to the tank surface. Leaves will initially float for 1 to 3 days before becoming waterlogged and settling naturally onto the substrate. Replace or replenish every 2 to 4 weeks as the soft leaf tissue breaks down into a delicate skeletonized matrix.
• Brewing "Tadpole Tea": To prepare an antifungal conditioning bath for rearing dart frog tadpoles or treating stressed fish, simmer 2 to 3 leaves in a quart of clean, dechlorinated or reverse-osmosis water for 10 to 15 minutes until a deep amber tea develops. Allow the extract to cool completely, then use it to dose rearing containers or dilute it into nursery tanks.
• Quick-Sink Preparation (Optional): If you prefer your leaves to sink immediately upon introduction, steep them in boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes. Note that boiling will leach out an initial burst of tannins; pour the cooled steep water directly into your aquarium alongside the leaves to preserve every drop of beneficial coloration and humic value.
• Bioactive Forest Floor Blending: In dart frog terrariums, pair Catappa leaves with thicker, slower-decaying botanicals (such as Magnolia or Guava leaves). The softer Catappa tissue breaks down first to feed isopods and springtails, while creating humid, shaded corridors that protect delicate amphibian skin.
• Natural Character: Because every leaf is an untreated, sun-dried botanical harvested directly from nature, expect organic variations in leaf dimensions, natural curling, and rich color tones ranging from golden ochre to deep reddish-brown.