Description
Expires: June 2026 or later
Inspired by the Flooded Forests of the Amazon
When the rainy season floods the tropical rainforests of South America and Africa, countless fish species follow the rising waters into the forests in search of food. These rainforest explorers feast on a rich bounty of fallen fruits, terrestrial insects, invertebrates, nuts, seeds, legumes, herbs, and greens that are suddenly within reach. This seasonal abundance shapes the natural diet of the vast majority of aquarium fish we keep today. Repashy Igapo Explorer is formulated to replicate this natural rainforest forager diet, using ingredients that mirror what these fish would actually encounter in their wild habitat.
Originally released as Fruut-Luups in 2014, Igapo Explorer is the refined and improved version of that groundbreaking formula, developed by Dr. Stephan M. Tanner and Allen Repashy to provide a genuinely natural and nutritionally complete diet for the enormous range of freshwater species that evolved as rainforest foragers.
Who Are They For? Igapo Explorer is suitable for a remarkably wide range of freshwater and even some saltwater species. In freshwater this includes tetras, barbs, danios, livebearers, South American and African cichlids, catfish, loaches, killifish, rainbowfish, labyrinth fish including bettas and gouramis, knifefishes, gobies, axolotls, salamanders, aquatic frogs, and many oddball species including puffers. Even some saltwater species that spend their juvenile stages in mangrove nurseries will readily accept this food. Land based omnivores including skinks, tegus, and other reptiles that enjoy a varied fruit and insect based diet will also find this formula appealing.
A Creative Feeding Tip Adhere partially set gel by placing an aquarium rock, driftwood, or other decor item in the mold or spread over the hardscape item. Then allow to fully set before returning to the aquarium. This encourages natural foraging behavior as fish rasp and pick at the food just as they would in the wild. The gel will remain stable in the water for 24 to 48 hours without affecting water quality.
Two Ways to Serve
As a Gel: The standard preparation method. Mix powder with water, allow to set, then cut into cubes, shred, or serve as a whole slab. Treat the finished gel as fresh food and store sealed in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or in the freezer for up to six months.
As a Jerky: Prepare the gel as normal, pour into a deep container, slice into quarter inch thick pieces, and dry completely in an oven or dehydrator at 150 degrees F for 8 to 12 hours.
How to Prepare the Gel Ratio is one part powder to two or three parts water, using 1/4 cup powder to between 1/2 and 3/4 cup water as a starting point. A lower water ratio produces a firmer gel. Adjust water quantity to achieve your preferred firmness.
Microwave method: Measure water into a heat safe container. Heat until water begins to boil. Add powder and mix well. Let sit at room temperature until gelled, approximately 2 hours.
Stovetop method: Bring water to a boil in a pot. Remove from heat. Add powder and mix well. Immediately pour into a storage container or mold and let sit at room temperature until firm.
Storage Store unused powder at room temperature in a cool dry location away from moisture. Refrigerate any prepared gel and use within two weeks, or freeze for up to six months.
Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 30% min, Crude Fat 8% min, Crude Fiber 5% max, Moisture 8% max, Ash 10% max
NOT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION
Jennifer Lindauer (Verified) –
Michael Fowler (Verified) –