XL Indian Almond Leaves Aquarium Catappa 20-35cm FishTank Betta Breeding UK 

Collection is available and we also offer free delivery sent 1st class via the Royal Mail. 

Our leaves are packaged inside a sealable bag, they are then sent in a padded Jiffy Bag to ensure they are further protected. Indian almond leaves (IAL), are believed to aid fish in a number of ways, such as helping Siamese Fighting Fish heal after a battle and inducing spawning in breeding tanks. 

They have been used for years by Betta breeders in South East Asia, to mimic the natural Betta habitat, making the aquarium more similar to the habitat from which the fish hails. Indian almond leaves just like driftwood and peat, release ample amounts of tannins into the water. 

The tannins affect the pH-value and the water turns dark – just like a blackwater river. Water rich in tannins is appreciated by fish species that hail from such environments in the wild. Blackwater habitats are formed when rivers flow slowly through heavily forested areas where falling leaves and other plant debris end up decomposing in the water. Using Indian almond leaves is not just about chemistry. Some Aquarists think leaf litter looks ugly, but for many fish species it feels just like home. Leaves and leaf litter makes the environment more natural. Bottom dwelling fish love to hide among sunken leaves, while surface and mid-water dwellers like the sense of security offered by floating leaves. Indian almond leaves are also nice for fish and invertebrates to nibble on between meals, and the leaves serve as home and food for infusoria.

The leaves will normally float for 2-3 days before sinking. Sinking is natural and it doesn’t mean that your have to change the leaves. Depending on how actively your fish tries to destroy them, the leaves will normally disintegrate after a month or so. There is usually no need to change the leaves more often than every second month. Some aquarists who dislike the sight of torn leaves normally replace the leaves every 2-3 week, but this is purely for aesthetical reasons. The leaves also serve as home and food for infusoria; minute aquatic creatures like ciliates, euglenoids, and protozoa. Due to its size and nutritional content, infusoria is an excellent food source for newly hatched fry of many species of fish. Dosage : Dosages below are based on 15-25 cm (6-10 in) leaves. If your leaf is smaller or bigger, you need to adjust the figures accordingly. Using 2 leaves per 50 L (13 gallons) of water is recommended but be prepared to adjust the dosage to suit your particular fish. Some Betta keepers routinely use up to 2 leaves per 15 L (4 gallons) of water in their everyday tanks. Betta breeders normally use 1 leaf per 20 L (5 gallons) of water in breeding tanks. In fry rearing tanks, using 1 leaf per 40 L (10 gallons) of water is recommended.