CAUTION Sapucaja nuts release a lot of tannins, it is essential to drain it for several days, out of the aquarium, in a bucket or large enough container, changing the water daily.

Sapucaja nuts (bug)

Also known as Brazilian cashews, come from the fruit of the sapucaja (Lecythis pisonis), a tree native to the Amazon rainforest in Brazil.

Lots of tannins!

The tannins present in sapucaja nut bugs can be beneficial in an Amazon biotope aquarium. Tannins are organic compounds found in many plant materials, such as leaves and bark, and they are often released into water when immersed.

In an Amazon biotope aquarium, tannins can recreate the natural environment of Amazonian waterways, which are often rich in tannins due to the surrounding vegetation. The water then takes on a slightly brownish tint, simulating the effect of the natural water in the region.

Tannins have several benefits in an Amazon biotope aquarium. They can help reduce water hardness, which is beneficial for many species of Amazonian fish that prefer softer, acidic water. Tannins can also create a more natural and calming environment for fish, mimicking the conditions of their original habitat.

Hideout or pot for terrarium plant

Their natural shape and rough texture make them an interesting element to create a natural and aesthetic environment in a terrarium.

By using the sapucaja nut bugs as hiding places, you provide safe and secure places for the animals that live in the terrarium. Some reptiles, amphibians, or invertebrates like to hide in tight spaces, and bugs can provide natural hiding places for them.

Additionally, you can use the bugs as pots for plants in a terrarium. Epiphytic plants, such as orchids, bromeliads or ferns, can be attached to the bugs using appropriate moss or clips. This creates an interesting vertical environment for plants, while adding a natural aesthetic to the terrarium.