Coconut Hide

NewCal Coconut Hide | A Natural Cave and Shelter for Aquarium Fish, Shrimp, and Invertebrates

The coconut shell is one of nature’s most perfectly formed hiding spots — dense, rounded, and hollow, with a natural opening that provides exactly the kind of snug, enclosed shelter that cave-dwelling fish and invertebrates instinctively seek out. The NewCal Coconut Hide brings that natural form directly into the aquarium, providing a functional and visually organic hideout that looks at home in any planted tank, shrimp setup, or community aquarium.

Completely natural and free from artificial dyes, coatings, or treatments, coconut shells are safe for all freshwater fish, shrimp, snails, and invertebrates — and will gradually develop a natural biofilm coating on their surface that shrimp and cleanup crew will graze on continuously.

Why It Works in the Aquarium

Enclosed, cave-like hiding spots are one of the most important and frequently overlooked elements of a well-designed aquarium. Fish and invertebrates that feel exposed become stressed, display less, eat less, and are more susceptible to disease. A secure retreat changes behaviour immediately — shy fish become bolder, territorial species calm down, and cave-spawning fish such as plecos and cichlids may even adopt a coconut hide as a breeding site.

The natural rounded form and warm brown colouration of a coconut shell integrates seamlessly into planted aquascapes, biotope layouts, and shrimp tanks — far more naturally than ceramic or plastic alternatives.

Key Benefits

• 100% natural coconut shell — no dyes, coatings, or artificial treatments
• Provides a secure, enclosed hiding spot that reduces stress in fish and invertebrates
• Develops natural biofilm over time — an excellent grazing surface for shrimp and snails
• Suitable as a spawning site for cave-spawning fish including plecos, cichlids, and gobies
• Easy to clean and long-lasting
• Safe for all freshwater fish, shrimp, snails, and invertebrates

Preparation

Rinse thoroughly under clean tap water before adding to the aquarium. The coconut shell may initially float — soaking in water for 24–48 hours beforehand will help it sink naturally. A white, cotton-like biofilm may appear on the surface in the first week — completely harmless and will be consumed by shrimp and cleanup crew.

Ideal For

• Shrimp tanks — natural shelter for moulting shrimp and shrimplets, and an excellent biofilm grazing surface
• Cave-spawning plecos such as Bristlenose and Hypancistrus
• Shy or territorial fish that benefit from a defined, secure home base
• Dwarf cichlids and gobies that spawn in enclosed spaces
• Community tanks as natural shelter and enrichment
• Planted aquascapes and biotope setups where a natural aesthetic is the priority