{"product_id":"exo-terra-cholla-cactus-large","title":"Exo Terra Cholla Cactus Large","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe cholla skeleton look, without the CITES paperwork.\u003c\/strong\u003e The Exo Terra Cholla Cactus Large recreates the branching, hollow structure of a real cholla cactus skeleton — the trunk of the Sonoran Desert cholla, prized by keepers for its natural look and the tunnels and gaps reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates climb through and hide in. Genuine cholla skeleton is CITES Appendix II listed, which restricts trade in the real plant; this piece gives you the look and function without that restriction.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eKey features\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNatural branching skeleton look\u003c\/strong\u003e — mimics real cholla cactus wood in texture and form.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBendable and twistable\u003c\/strong\u003e — reposition or shape it to fit your layout rather than working around a fixed piece.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDoubles as a hide and a climbing structure\u003c\/strong\u003e — the branching gaps give smaller animals cover as well as elevated routes through the enclosure.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExpands usable surface area\u003c\/strong\u003e — useful for basking and thermoregulation across a gradient, not just decoration.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePairs with moss for a humid microclimate\u003c\/strong\u003e — pack damp Exo Terra moss into the gaps to hold humidity around the piece.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDimensions (L x W x H)\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e11.6 x 27.5 x 9.7 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eStyle\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBranching cholla cactus skeleton replica\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSKU\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAA0712\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWill it fit my enclosure?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt 27.5 cm on its longest side, this is sized for medium to large terrariums with room to lay it flat or angle it across the floor or hardscape. Check your enclosure's footprint against these dimensions before ordering, especially in a narrower setup.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eSuitable for, and not suitable for\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eSuited to desert and arid terrariums as a centrepiece, and to planted or bioactive setups as a naturalistic climbing and hiding feature. Not a substrate anchor on its own — for larger or more active climbing species, secure it against the background or hardscape so it can't be dislodged.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eCare and maintenance\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eRinse before first use. Wipe down or rinse periodically as part of routine enclosure cleaning; it isn't porous the way real wood is, so it won't harbour mould in the same way, but it will still collect waste and debris like any decor piece.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eGoes well with\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExo Terra Forest Moss\u003c\/strong\u003e — packed into the branching gaps for a humid microclimate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDesert or arid substrate to complete the naturalistic look\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA basking lamp positioned over the highest point for a climbing species' basking spot\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWarranty and delivery\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eCovered by your rights under Australian Consumer Law. Ships standard.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eCommon questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003ch4\u003eIs this real cholla cactus wood?\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo — Exo Terra describes it as a sustainable alternative to the real plant. Genuine cholla skeleton is CITES Appendix II listed and its trade is restricted, so this replica gives you the same branching look and function without that restriction.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eCan I reshape it?\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes — it's designed to be bendable and twistable, so you can angle or curve it to fit your layout rather than being locked into one shape.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eIs it safe for shrimp, hatchlings or small invertebrates?\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe branching structure is designed as a hide and climbing feature for reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates generally, but check for any small gaps that could trap a very small or juvenile animal before adding it to a nursery or fry setup.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eDo I need to prepare it before use, like real wood?\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eJust rinse it before first use. Unlike real driftwood or cholla, it doesn't need soaking to sink or to leach tannins.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ExoTerra","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55242266509603,"sku":"AA0712","price":41.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/exo-terra-cholla-cactus-larg-43106765603107.webp?v=1790231145","url":"https:\/\/nicksaquariumoceanariumterrarium.com.au\/products\/exo-terra-cholla-cactus-large","provider":"Nicks AOT","version":"1.0","type":"link"}