Castle Dawn Aquatics

Medium Urchin Pods (6 Pack)

Medium Urchin Pods (6 Pack) - Main image
$13.57 $19.38 In stock

Category: Aquarium Aquatic Aquascaping Botanicals

Add a touch of the Amazon to your aquascape or terrarium with Castle Dawn Aquatics Urchin Pods, naturally fallen seed pods from the Cochlospermum regium tree. These beautifully textured botanicals are a striking addition to South American blackwater aquariums, creating authentic hiding places for small fish, shrimp, and microfauna.

In aquariums, Urchin Pods gradually release beneficial tannins while encouraging the growth of biofilm, an essential natural food source for shrimp, Plecos, and other bottom-dwelling species. In terrariums and bioactive enclosures, they provide valuable microhabitats for frogs, isopods, and microgeckos, adding both function and visual depth to rainforest-style setups. Their tough, woody outer shell ensures excellent durability in aquatic and humid environments.

Tannins Released: Low to Medium

All our botanicals are organically sourced, free from harmful pesticides, and naturally sun-dried without the use of chemicals.

Key Features and Important Notes:

  • What’s Included:
    – 6 × Urchin Pods
    ⚠️ For aquarium use only, not for human consumption.
  • Average Size:
    10 cm (3.9 inches)
  • Source:
    South America
  • Flora:
    Cochlospermum regium
  • Versatile Design:
    Suitable for both aquariums and terrariums, making them ideal for South American biotopes, blackwater aquascapes, and rainforest-style vivariums.
  • Natural Hiding Caves:
    Creates secure retreats for dwarf cichlids, small wild Betta species, Plecos, shrimp, and fry.
  • Terrarium Functionality:
    Provides shelter and microhabitats for frogs, microgeckos, isopods, and clean-up crew species in bioactive enclosures.
  • Durable and Long-Lasting:
    Thick, woody casing resists decay and maintains structure for extended periods in water or humid conditions.
  • Natural Tannin Release:
    Releases mild amber tannins that help replicate authentic Amazonian blackwater environments without overwhelming the system.
  • Biofilm Development:
    Encourages microbial and fungal growth, offering natural grazing surfaces for invertebrates and bottom-dwelling fish.
  • Preparation:
    Boil for 30 minutes, then soak overnight before introducing to your aquarium or terrarium.
  • Organic and Safe:
    Organically sourced, naturally sun-dried, and completely free from pesticides, ethanol, or synthetic chemicals.
  • Natural Variation:
    As a natural product, colour, shape, and texture will vary slightly between pods.
  • Conservation Support:
    Part of the Wild Betta Rescue Programme. Every purchase helps support conservation efforts across Southeast Asia.

Customer Reviews (5.0 / 5 · 5 reviews)

Ava ★★★★★

These urchin pods have such an interesting ribbed texture, way more detailed than the smooth driftwood I'd used before. Tannins tinted the water a nice amber over the first week and my shrimp love picking at them. Six pods was plenty to spread across two tanks.

Hazel B. ★★★★★

Dropped these into my betta tank and the tannins started leaching within hours, giving the water that warm amber tint I was after. They sink fast without needing to be pre-soaked, which saves me a step during water changes, and the texture on each pod is genuinely unique. Six in a pack is plenty to

Eva I. ★★★★★

The ridges on these pods are even better in person, and they sink right away so no floating mess in my tank. My shrimp are already picking at them, and the water has that nice tea-colored tint I was hoping for. Great value for six pieces.