The Monkey Pod is the upper shell of the Monkey Pot nut, harvested from Lecythis elliptica—a nut-bearing tree native to the Amazon rainforest and closely related to the species that produces Ourico Pods.
These pods add a natural, organic aesthetic to any aquarium, while also offering practical benefits for aquatic setups. In freshwater tanks, Monkey Pods can serve as:
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Natural shelters for small fish and invertebrates
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Spawning sites or micro-habitats for shrimp and nano fish
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Foraging zones where biofilm and beneficial microorganisms can develop
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Decorative hardscape elements that enhance a biotope or blackwater layout
Each Monkey Pod averages 3–4 inches in diameter, though natural variations in size, shape, and coloration are to be expected.
Aquarium Preparation
Before adding Monkey Pods to your aquarium, we recommend:
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Boiling the pods for at least one hour to help remove tannins and sterilize the surface.
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Soaking the pod in a separate container of water for 24 hours after boiling.
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This helps ensure it won’t affect your tank’s water clarity or chemistry.
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The soaking process also helps the pod become waterlogged so it will sink more easily.
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After preparation, your Monkey Pod is ready to enrich your aquarium with both beauty and function.