Terminalia catappa, a member of the leadwood tree family, is a massive tropical tree that thrives mostly in the humid tropics of Asia, Africa, and Australia. The leaf of this tree is known as Indian Almond. The aquarium community has settled on calling it the Indian Almond leaf, although it goes by a variety of other names. It has a long history of usage as a medical and therapeutic leaf in the aquarium hobby. It is claimed, but not shown, that these leaves help to create a natural habitat suitable for the following species: Bettas, Killies, Arowana, Tetra, Dicus, Dwarf Cichlids, Appistogramma, Rasbora, Catfish, and SHRIMP!
The shrimp breeding process is aided by the Indian Almond Leaf, since it provides a suitable environment for the growth of bacteria that the juvenile shrimp feed on. Left in the tank, the leaves will be colonized by a wide variety of microbes that will eventually decompose them. Shrimp, particularly shrimp larvae, like to ingest the biofilm produced by these microbes. There are chemicals released by the Indian Almond leaf that are anti-fungal and anti-bacterial. Because of this, shrimp are better able to fend off parasites. As long as the stem is removed, the leaf may remain in the tank until it has decomposed completely. The decomposition of the leaf in the aquarium will have no negative effects on the ecosystem of the tank.
The tannins in Indian Almond Leaves are responsible for all of its health advantages, yet this is a frequent misconception. This viewpoint has been disproven. Tannins, which are a component of many herbs, have antibacterial characteristics and contribute to the humic acid profile, which has several advantages. Tannins are beneficial to aquatic ecosystems and may be found almost everywhere.
There are advantages to each different kind of leaf. Some tree species’ leaves have additional therapeutic or medicinal effects due to the diversity of active components inside them. There is a great deal of variation across species in terms of the form, quantity, and combination of these elements.
In the past, researchers have found flavanoids, isovitexin, vitexin, isoorientin, rutin, and triterpenoiods in Indian Almond Leaves. Quercetin, corilagin, kamferolphenols, saponin, saponin glycosides, cardiac glycoside, balsam, squalene, and volatile oils are also accounted for. Leaves of T. catappa include the tannins punicalagin, punicalin, geranin, granatin B, tergallagin, tercatain, terflavin A and B, chebulagic acid, and corilagin.
Numerous scientific investigations have confirmed T. catappa’s healing abilities:
- Anti-inflammatory
- To kill parasites like Trichodina, Gyrodactylus, and Dactylogyrus, it has antiparasitic effects.
- T. catappa leaf extracts have been shown to exhibit antibacterial activity against several strains, both positive and negative, and they continue to be investigated as a potential alternative to antibiotics in the food fish business.
- Pythium ultimum, Rhizoctonia solani, Sclerotium rolfsii, and Aspergillus fumigatus are only some of the fungi that have been shown to be inhibited by the compound. Tilapia eggs treated with an extract of Indian Almond Leaf have also shown promising results in the fight against fungal infections.
- In humans, immune system assistance has been shown to be effective enough to aid HIV patients.
Many shrimp keepers have told me that the Indian Almond leaf has helped their shrimp breed more successfully, turn out in more bright colors, have a higher proportion of males to females, and be healthier overall, with mortality due only to old age being the most common cause of death.
Warning: if you’ve never used Indian Almond leaves before, it’s best to ease into it by adding only one leaf every 10 gallons. There would have to be a significant overdose, but it’s better to be cautious than sorry when it comes to your cherished shrimp.
I’ve found that using a variety of leaf litter, including Indian Almond leaves, makes a big difference in the success rate of my shrimp breeding efforts.
Benefits of Indian Almond Leaves:
- Tannin-rich Betta leaves are great for the health of your betta fish and shrimp. The betta fish and shrimp seem to be healthier as a result. And it brings out the best in their inherent hue.
- HOW TO MAKE A TROPICAL RAIN FOREST FOR THEM. – The pH of water may be adjusted with the use of catappa leaves. Also useful for supplementing diets with minerals. Inspire a sense that they are really residing in their native habitat. tropical fish have a lot of energy. They think it’s great!.
- GOOD REPRODUCTION LEADS TO HEALTHY OFFSPRING. – Promotes the development of shrimp and Betta fish. The stress of the breeding season is alleviated. You need just add this special leaf to the aquarium.
- From Mother Nature to Your Betta Fish and Shrimp: Premium Dried Indian Almond Leaves in Size Mixes of 6-9 Inches. Fifty gram bag, or roughly twenty or more leaves. We collected every leaf so that we could proceed with the methodical procedure. With a good old-fashioned wash, boil, and dry! The leaves are packed neatly and securely into zip-top bags. Super practical, and it will last a long time. And its fragrant aroma will come as a pleasant surprise.
- It’s simple to use; just place a few leaves in your aquarium. Betta will begin eating the leaves, hiding in them, and maybe even laying their eggs there. Or you might chop it up into smaller pieces (approximately 4 cm by 4 cm) for more ease and aesthetic appeal in your fish tank. And after a week, toss the leaf and start again with a new one. Their improved health will astound you.
- Excellent Food Supply Fish and shrimp will gravitate to a decomposing Indian Almond leaf in as little as two days. Some of their favorite meals include these leaves. They won’t stop eating until there’s nothing left, even if that means the leaf has decomposed to almost nothing. Using these leaves has been linked to increased reproductive success and shrimplet (baby shrimp) survival rates, according to several aquarium keepers.
- A place where fish may lay their eggs Spawning occurs for many fish species on or under the fallen foliage. To protect eggs from being washed away or eaten by predators, this is done. As an example, many fish species only spawn at very specific temperatures and salinities of water. Perhaps getting your fish to reproduce is as simple as lowering the water’s pH and hardness.
- Making Safe havens and Secrets Indian almond leaf tannins’ dark hue might do a lot to help your fish feel secure. This little staining alters the way light travels, making the tank more welcoming to timid fish. In addition, the foliage itself provides excellent cover. This additional safety net will be especially welcome by smaller fish and shrimp. When bigger fish are around, they may rapidly take cover behind the leaves.