Tannin Special Release "Mikolji Bronze Corydoras Biotope 9669" (Ivan Mikolji-curated Botanical Sampler Pack, and Exclusive Signed Limited Edition Print)

If you're a lover of Corydoras catfish, then this exciting, special release pack is just what you've been waiting for!

It was developed in collaboration with world-renowned explorer, researcher, audio/visual artist and author, Ivan Mikolji, who tirelessly documents the magnificent diversity and wonder of this beautiful region of the world. His dramatic underwater videos are seen around the world, and his photographs have graced publications and articles in numerous publications.

Combining a specially-curated collection of botanicals with an exclusive signed, limited-edition photo of the fishes in the habitat which inspired it, this pack is a true collector’s piece that you’ll be thrilled to try out! We’re limiting the release to 50 packs and prints, and when they are gone, they’re gone!

Ivan tells the story:

Corydoras aeneus are relatively small benthic armored catfish which are quite common in the aquarium hobby. Bronze Corys have the ability to breathe air intestinally, so in an aquarium you can see them swimming up to take a gulp of air from the surface and then heading immediately down, this air probably also aids them in their digestion. 

The environment in which these amusing fish reside is quite compelling. There are two prominent colors everywhere, green and brown. The water’s surface reflects the green from all the surrounding vegetation, and because the water is clear you can see the brownish benthic sediments below, again adding more of the same to an incredibly beautiful bichrome world. 

The water temperature was around a perfect 28 Celsius with a slow flow over rounded rocks of all sizes. This, my friends, is a typical Maritime Andes mountain stream. The Maritime Andes is the mountain range that runs along the mid and eastern coast of Venezuela.The section of river in which these fish were found was a "flat" which was about 100 meters long, 7 meters wide and 40 cm deep in the edges and about 20 cm deep towards the middle! Yes, it is deeper at the edges! A "river flat" can be described as a long shallow pool with unbroken surface and a relatively smooth bottom. The pH  in this river was 7.5 and the KH was around 40 MG/L.

In the crevices, between the larger rocks, leaves and twigs are deposited over a dirty clay. The clay is filled with decaying organic matter, comprised partially of materials which have fallen from the canopy of trees above. Here the little Corys wiggle themselves into that gunk as if they were burying themselves underground, creating small clouds of flotsam. They resemble little piglets having fun in the grime probably digging up their next meal! So, this is their feeding ground. The sandy middle and sandy right bank seem to be too clean or sterile.

This botanical package was inspired by the materials which are found in the bottom clay substrate. The colors and textures compliment the Corys very nicely, and will provide an authentic setting for these cool fish to forage among!  The pack may include botanicals such as Guava and Jackfruit leaves, Fishtail Palm Stems, Borneo Catappa Bark, Jacaranda Pods, and Coco Curls.

And, each pack includes a very limited edition signed 4"x6" photograph, "Mikolji Bronze Corydoras Biotope 9669", printed on high-quality Canson Infinity Museum Pro canvas! We’re limiting the availability to 50 packs, and each photograph is hand signed and numbered by Ivan Mikolji, and includes a certificate of authenticity, making this amazing pack a serious collector’s item for anyone who loves these fish and Ivan's work! 

For a beautiful video on the background of this print, click here.

All of these items require some preparation before use, as outlined in our "Aquatic Botanical Preparation" section.

NOTE: As these are natural products, the exact appearance of the items you receive will differ slightly from this shown in the photo. The photo serves to give you an idea of what to expect. Please note that we may periodically substitute with other botanicals as needed if the ones shown are not available.

#corregodoscorydoras

All of our aquatic botanicals are intended for ornamental aquarium or terrarium use only. Please use common sense and take the time to boil or soak all botanicals prior to using them, to reduce the possibility of problems. Always go slow when introducing any botanicals into your systems, so you can judge the effect they have on your fishes and plants. They are not intended for human consumption. DO NOT INGEST!

NOT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION.

SEE OUR SHIPPING AND HANDLING PAGE FOR OUR SHIPPING POLICIES