Rio Xingu crevice cave

io Xingu Crevice Cave – Natural Shelter for Crevice‑Dwelling Catfish

The rocky shoreline of the Rio Xingu is home to many of the catfish species we keep in our aquariums. In their natural environment, layers of stone, sandstone‑like shelves, and scattered pebbles create countless tight crevices that these fish rely on for security. We were fortunate enough to obtain an authentic rock formation from this region and used it as the foundation for this design.

Through an intricate process, the original stone was captured with a 3D scanner, transformed into a digital model, and then reproduced as a physical print. From that print, we created a detailed plaster mold that now allows us to craft crevice caves that closely replicate the natural structure of the Rio Xingu. The result is a cave that mirrors the authentic habitat of many L‑number catfish.

Because different species and sizes of fish prefer different crevice dimensions, we offer multiple versions of the Xingu crevice cave:

• Small Version: Perfect for flat‑bodied species such as Pseudolithoxus and Lasiancistrus.

• Medium Version: Ideal for slightly larger catfish including L082, L168, and Ancistrus ranunculus (L034).

Each cave provides a realistic, secure hiding space that supports natural behavior and reduces stress — a true piece of the Rio Xingu for your aquarium.