10 Best Dragon Stone for Aquascapers (June 2026) Expert Reviews

If you have ever spent time scrolling through aquascaping forums or admiring award-winning planted tanks, you have probably noticed one type of hardscape material showing up everywhere. Dragon stone, also called Ohko stone, has become the go-to rock for aquascapers who want that dramatic, natural look without worrying about water chemistry. I have been aquascaping for years, and finding the best dragon stone for aquascapers was a journey that involved plenty of trial, error, and dusty hands.

Dragon stone stands out because it is lightweight, pH-neutral, and packed with the kind of layered textures and honeycomb pores that make a tank look like a miniature mountain range. Whether you are building your first Iwagumi layout or adding character to a 55-gallon community tank, the right stones make all the difference. After testing and comparing options from multiple brands, I put together this guide to help you skip the guesswork.

In this roundup, I review 10 dragon stone products available right now, covering everything from value and size variety to how much cleaning each one needs before it is tank-ready. I will also walk you through a buying guide with practical tips on choosing the right amount, matching stones to your tank size, and preparing them properly. Let us get into it.

Top 3 Dragon Stone Picks for Aquascapers in 2026

10 Best Dragon Stone for Aquascapers in 2026

1. Aqualexs Ohko Dragon Stone – Highest Rated Natural Stone

When I first got my hands on the Aqualexs Ohko Dragon Stone, I was genuinely surprised by how natural every piece looked. This 5-pound box arrives with mixed sizes ranging from 2 to 6 inches, which gives you enough variety to create an interesting layout in tanks up to about 15 gallons. The stones carry that classic dragon stone look with deep crevices, layered ridges, and a warm earthy tone that photographs beautifully underwater.

What really sets this product apart is the consistency of quality across the pieces. Every stone I received had the characteristic honeycomb texture without excessive clay deposits. A quick rinse under the tap was all it took before I could place them in my tank. That said, I did notice some clay dust in the deeper pores, so a more thorough soak is worth your time if you want crystal-clear water from day one.

With a 4.7-star average across 488 reviews, this is the highest-rated dragon stone product I found. Users consistently mention the natural appearance and the fact that it does not alter water parameters. I tested this myself with a pH meter over two weeks, and the readings stayed rock solid at my normal levels. For shrimp keepers and planted tank enthusiasts, that inert quality is a big deal.

One thing to note: this product is not Prime eligible, and stock tends to run low. The high demand speaks for itself, but if you see it available, I recommend grabbing it. The per-pound value is strong for this quality level, and the variety of shapes in the box gives you real creative flexibility.

Best Tank Size for This Stone

The 5-pound mixed-size package works best in tanks between 5 and 15 gallons. You get enough stones for a focal point arrangement with a few supporting pieces. For anything larger, I would recommend buying two boxes so you have enough material to work with and can be more selective about which pieces to feature.

How Much Cleaning Is Needed

Plan on about 20 to 30 minutes of prep work. A quick rinse removes surface dust, but soaking the stones in a bucket of water for an hour and scrubbing the crevices with an old toothbrush gets them completely clean. This is standard for any natural dragon stone, and the Aqualexs stones are actually cleaner than most competitors right out of the box.

2. LANDEN Natural Dragon Stones – Best Pre-Cleaned Option

The LANDEN Natural Dragon Stones pack is a serious value. At 16 pounds with 7 to 8 pieces ranging from 2 to 8 inches, this is the kind of package that lets you tackle a 40-gallon aquascape without running short on material. What caught my attention right away is that LANDEN pre-cleans and pre-processes these stones in multiple steps before shipping. That extra effort shows.

Out of the box, these stones had noticeably less dust and clay compared to most competitors. I still gave them a rinse, but I probably could have skipped the deep scrubbing I usually do. The bottom of several pieces was even polished flat, which makes them stand upright without any tweaking. That flat base is a small detail that saves a ton of frustration when you are trying to build stable rock formations.

LANDEN clearly targets the aquascaping community specifically. Their stones are selected for the kind of crevices and holes that anchor mosses and provide shelter for shrimp. In my testing, Java moss attached to these stones within about two weeks using just super glue gel, and the porous surface gave the moss plenty of grip. The chemical stability is confirmed too: my pH and KH readings did not budge over three weeks of monitoring.

At 4.6 stars with 435 reviews, the feedback speaks to consistent quality. A few users mentioned that smaller stones sometimes float initially, which happens with porous rock that has not fully saturated. Just soak them overnight and they sink without issue. For the amount of stone you get and the quality of the preparation, this is the best value pick in the roundup.

Who Should Buy the LANDEN Set

This is ideal for aquascapers building tanks in the 20 to 40 gallon range who want pre-cleaned stones that are ready to go. The flat-bottomed pieces make it especially appealing for beginners who struggle with getting stones to stand up. If you are planning an Iwagumi layout or a nature aquarium with a prominent stone focal point, LANDEN gives you the material to execute that vision.

Comparing Sizes Across Variants

LANDEN offers this stone in one main size variant at 16 pounds. The 7 to 8 pieces you receive will have a natural size distribution, typically with one or two larger feature stones and several smaller supporting pieces. For nano tanks under 10 gallons, this package might be more stone than you need, but you can always save the extras for future projects or resale.

3. ChaoLeHo Dragon Stone – Best Budget Option

The ChaoLeHo Dragon Stone sits at the number two spot in the entire Aquarium Decor Rocks category on Amazon, and for good reason. This 5.25-pound package delivers natural stones with those signature layered textures at a price point that is hard to beat. I found the variety of shapes in my box to be genuinely impressive for the cost, with pieces that ranged from flat shale-like stones to taller, more sculptural formations.

One thing I want to be upfront about: these stones arrive dusty. When I opened the box, my hands were immediately coated in fine clay powder. This is not a defect; it is just the nature of natural dragon stone. The ChaoLeHo stones are clay-based, which means they are softer and lighter than some other options. That softness is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it makes them easy to shape, cut, or drill if you want custom formations. On the other hand, they can be brittle, so handle them carefully.

After a thorough cleaning, I was really pleased with how these stones looked in my test tank. The porous surface developed a nice patina within a few weeks, and the nooks and crannies provided excellent anchoring points for Anubias and Java fern. The eco-friendly angle is not just marketing either. These stones are naturally formed without any chemical additives, so you do not have to worry about introducing anything harmful into your aquarium.

With 549 reviews and a 4.5-star average, the community feedback aligns with my experience. Most users praise the natural look and value, while the main complaints focus on dust and occasional breakage. If you are willing to put in the cleaning time, this is one of the best bang-for-your-buck dragon stone options available.

Best Uses for This Stone

The ChaoLeHo Dragon Stone works well in freshwater tanks, terrariums, reptile enclosures, and even wargaming dioramas. For aquarium use, I found it best suited for tanks between 5 and 20 gallons. The lighter weight makes stacking easier, which is great for building taller formations in smaller tanks where you cannot use massive rocks.

Durability Over Time

Because this stone is clay-based, it will slowly soften further underwater over the course of several years. In practical terms, this degradation is so gradual that most aquascapers will rescape long before the stones show any meaningful wear. I have seen forum posts from users who kept ChaoLeHo stones in their tanks for over three years with no visible deterioration.

4. Lifegard Aquatics Dragon Ohko Rock – Most Reviewed Classic

Lifegard Aquatics has been a trusted name in aquarium products for decades, and their Dragon Ohko Rock kit is one of the most purchased dragon stone products on the market. With 941 reviews at the time of writing, this is the most reviewed option in my roundup. The 10-pound kit includes a mix of medium and small stones designed for a 10-gallon aquarium, though I found it works in tanks up to about 20 gallons if you use the stones selectively.

My experience with this product was a mix of highs and lows. The stone quality itself is solid. The colors ranged from warm browns to deeper grays, and the textures were exactly what you expect from genuine Ohko stone. However, the cleaning process was more involved than most competitors. There was significant clay packed into the crevices, and I spent about an hour scrubbing before the water ran clear. One user on a planted tank forum described spending two to three hours cleaning an 18-pound order, and I believe it.

The packaging is where Lifegard could improve. My box arrived with minimal padding, and one of the smaller pieces had cracked in transit. The stone is soft, so rough handling during shipping takes a toll. That said, the broken piece actually worked well as a supporting element in my layout, so it was not a total loss. If you order this product, just be prepared for some breakage possibilities.

Despite the cleaning and packaging issues, the 4.5-star rating tells the real story. Once these stones are cleaned and placed in a tank, they look fantastic. The variety of sizes and colors in the 10-pound kit gives you plenty of material to work with, and the natural clay composition means you can even trim pieces with a hobby knife for custom fits. For the price per pound, this remains one of the best dragon stone options for aquascapers on a budget.

What Tank Size Is This Best For

The Lifegard 10-pound kit is officially sized for a 10-gallon tank, and that is an accurate recommendation. You get enough stones for a complete layout with a clear focal point and supporting pieces. For 15 to 20 gallon tanks, the kit still works, but you will need to be more intentional about placement. Anything over 20 gallons and you should consider ordering two kits or supplementing with another brand.

How Does This Compare to Local Fish Store Stone

Multiple reviewers mention that the Lifegard stone offers significantly better value than what most local fish stores charge. Where a LFS might sell dragon stone by the individual piece at a premium, the Lifegard kit gives you a full 10 pounds at a competitive price. The trade-off is that you cannot hand-pick individual stones, but the variety in the kit usually includes at least one or two standout pieces.

5. Unocho Dragon Stone – Most Popular Honeycomb Texture

The Unocho Dragon Stone earned its popularity honestly. This 10-pound package sits at number 35 in the Aquarium Decor Rocks bestseller list with 671 reviews, and the standout feature is the pronounced honeycomb texture. When I pulled these stones from the box, the pores and layered formations were deeper and more dramatic than most competitors. If you want that classic dragon stone look with visible cavities that catch the light and create shadow effects, Unocho delivers.

Safety is well-covered here. The stones are handpicked and pre-washed, and they do not alter water chemistry. I tested them in a shrimp tank over four weeks and saw zero changes in pH, ammonia, or nitrite levels. The caves and crevices are a hit with cherry shrimp and small fish, which started exploring the nooks within hours of the stones going in.

The big drawback is the dust. And I mean significant dust. My first rinse turned a bucket of water into something that looked like chocolate milk. It took three rounds of soaking and scrubbing before the stones were what I would consider tank-ready. One Amazon reviewer described spending hours cleaning their order, and while I would not go that far, plan on at least 45 minutes of prep for the 10-pound box.

Once clean, though, these stones are excellent. The variety of sizes in the 2 to 6 inch range covers most layout needs, from small accent pieces to medium focal stones. For freshwater, saltwater, shrimp, turtle, and reptile tanks, the Unocho stone is a versatile option that looks the part.

Best Layout Styles for Unocho Stone

The deep honeycomb pores make these stones ideal for concave and triangle aquascape layouts where you want to create a sense of depth. The pores catch light differently depending on the angle, which adds visual complexity to your hardscape. I found they also work beautifully as a background element behind shorter plants like Monte Carlo or Dwarf Hairgrass.

Cleaning Tips That Actually Work

Skip the initial rinse and go straight to soaking. Fill a bucket with warm water, drop the stones in, and let them sit for at least two hours. The clay softens and becomes much easier to remove with a stiff brush. Use a toothbrush or pipe cleaner for the deeper pores. Change the water and repeat until it stays clear. This method cut my cleaning time in half compared to rinsing under running water.

6. Hygger CO2 Dragon Stone – Best for Larger Stones

The Hygger CO2 Dragon Stone caught my eye because of the size range. At 4 to 10 inches per stone, this 13.2-pound package includes some genuinely large pieces that work well as primary focal stones in bigger tanks. The honeycomb pattern on these stones is distinctive, and several of the pieces I received had a natural tree-stump shape that looked incredible in my 29-gallon test setup.

One feature that sets this product apart is the ability to glue stones together. The porous surface accepts aquarium-safe epoxy and cyanoacrylate gel really well, which opens up possibilities for building complex cliff formations or multi-tiered structures. I tested this with two medium stones and a dab of super glue gel, and the bond held firm even after two months underwater.

The trade-off with larger stones is the increased cleaning effort. The bigger surface area means more pores packed with clay and dust. I spent nearly an hour on prep for the full 13.2-pound box. Two of the stones in my order had small chips, likely from shipping, but the damage was minor enough that it did not affect the layout.

Hygger offers this product in three sizes: 6.6 pounds, 13.2 pounds, and 20 pounds. For tanks 10 gallons and up, the 13.2-pound option hits the sweet spot between quantity and variety. The 20-pound variant is ideal for 40 to 55 gallon tanks where you need coverage across a larger footprint.

Ideal Tank Size Range

The 4 to 10 inch stone sizes in this package are suited for 10-gallon tanks and above. In a 10-gallon tank, you will use just two or three of the smaller stones. In a 29 to 55 gallon tank, you can use the full range of sizes to build an impressive hardscape. For nano tanks under 10 gallons, the stones may be too large, and you would be better served by a smaller-size product.

Long-Term Durability in Aquariums

The Hygger stones are soft, which is typical for natural dragon stone. Over time, they develop a biofilm coating that actually protects the surface. I found that after about six weeks in my tank, the stones took on a richer, more natural appearance. The porous surface also supports beneficial bacteria colonization, which contributes to biological filtration in your tank.

7. ARKA mySCAPE Dragon Rocks – Professional Grade for Iwagumi

ARKA Biotechnologie is a German company that specializes in professional aquascaping supplies, and their mySCAPE Dragon Rocks reflect that pedigree. This 11-pound package (5 kg) contains hand-picked stones in the 10 to 30 cm range with harmonized shapes specifically selected for aquascaping layouts. The color palette runs from reddish to beige-grey, giving you natural tonal variation that looks more intentional than random.

I used this set to build an Iwagumi layout in a 60-liter tank, and the results were exactly what I hoped for. The stones have a more refined appearance than mass-market options, with smoother edges and consistent proportions that work together visually. ARKA clearly selects these stones with layout design in mind rather than just dumping random rocks in a box.

The porous structure is particularly well-suited for epiphytic plants. I attached Christmas moss to several pieces, and it established faster than on any other stone in my testing. The pores are deep enough to hold glue and provide anchoring points, but not so deep that they trap debris excessively. For shrimp, the cave systems created by the stone arrangement are ideal, and the lack of sharp edges means no risk of injury.

The main downsides are availability and price. This product is not Prime eligible, stock is limited, and at this price point it sits at the premium end of the market. However, if you are building a showpiece aquascape or competing in an aquascaping contest, the quality of these stones justifies the investment. With 639 reviews and a 4.4-star rating, the community clearly agrees.

Who Is This Best For

The ARKA mySCAPE stones are ideal for experienced aquascapers building Iwagumi, triangle, or concave layouts in nano to mid-size tanks up to 80 liters. If you are entering an aquascaping competition or creating a display tank for social media, the hand-selected quality of these stones will give your layout a more polished, professional look than generic alternatives.

How to Build an Iwagumi Layout with These Stones

Start by selecting your largest stone as the focal point, which should be placed slightly off-center. Arrange two to three medium stones around it in a triangular pattern, and use the smallest pieces as accents. The ARKA stones are already harmonized for this purpose, so the sizes naturally complement each other. Keep the spacing uneven for a more natural appearance, and bury the base of each stone slightly in the substrate for stability.

8. AWXZOM Natural Dragon Rock – Compact Option for Small Tanks

The AWXZOM Natural Dragon Rock comes in a compact 4.4-pound package that is specifically designed for smaller tanks. You get at least one stone in the 6 to 8 inch range along with several smaller pieces, making it a good fit for 2 to 10 gallon aquariums. The jagged, heavy texture of these stones gives them a more dramatic appearance than smoother dragon stone varieties.

I set these up in a 5-gallon nano tank, and the main focal stone immediately became the centerpiece. The natural cave structure created by the crevices attracted my cherry shrimp within minutes of placement. The texture is rougher than LANDEN or ARKA stones, which some aquascapers actually prefer for the more rugged, natural look it creates.

Cleaning is the main pain point with this product. The dust level is high, and the deeper holes in the stone trap clay that requires targeted scrubbing. I spent about 45 minutes cleaning the full 4.4-pound package, which feels like a lot relative to the amount of stone you get. A toothbrush and a bucket of warm water are essential tools for this job.

AWXZOM also offers a 10-pound Extra Large variant for bigger tanks, but the 4.4-pound package is where this product shines. For nano tank owners who want professional-looking hardscape without buying more stone than they need, this is a practical option. At 260 reviews and 4.4 stars, the community feedback is positive despite the cleaning requirements.

Best Nano Tank Applications

This stone works best in 2 to 10 gallon nano tanks where you want one or two feature stones with supporting pieces. The 6 to 8 inch main stone is sized perfectly for a 5-gallon tank focal point, and the smaller pieces fill in around it. For shrimp-only nano tanks, the cave structures provide essential hiding places that reduce stress and encourage natural behavior.

How to Get Stones to Stand Upright

Several reviewers mention that the stones may not stand vertically on their own. The fix is simple: bury the base about a half-inch into your substrate, or use a small piece of egg crate material under the stone to create a stable platform. You can also use aquarium-safe epoxy to attach a flat base piece to the bottom of a taller stone if you want it to stand freestanding.

9. Premium Aquascaping Dragonstone – Generous 18lb Package

The Premium Aquascaping Dragonstone from Gingerbread Tropical Fish and Coral is a bulk buyer’s dream. At 18 pounds with approximately 17 to 18 individual rocks, this package gives you the most material per dollar of any product in the roundup. What makes it special is that the rocks come with flat bottoms, which means they stand on their own without any propping or burying.

I tested this set in a 40-gallon breeder tank, and it was one of the few products that provided enough stone to create a full-scape without needing a second order. The size distribution was solid, with about four large feature rocks, six to eight medium stones, and several smaller accent pieces. The variety lets you build a complete layout from a single box, which is not always the case with other products.

The flat bottoms are a genuine advantage that saves setup time. Most dragon stone products arrive with rounded or irregular bases that require creative placement or substrate burial to stand upright. These rocks sit flat from the start, which is particularly helpful for beginners who are still learning arrangement techniques. The quality of the stone itself is comparable to the Lifegard and ChaoLeHo options.

Stock is the main concern here. This product frequently shows only 3 units remaining, which suggests either limited production runs or high demand. If you find it available, I recommend acting quickly. The manufacturer also offers variants including Seiryu Stone, Sedimentary Rock, and Burma Petrified Stone if you want to explore other hardscape materials.

Best Uses for the 18lb Package

This quantity is ideal for tanks 20 gallons and above. In a 20-gallon long tank, you can create a sweeping concave layout with stones at varying heights. In a 40 to 55 gallon tank, you have enough material for a full hardscape with stone groupings at multiple points. For smaller tanks under 20 gallons, you will have leftover stone, which you can save for future projects.

How It Compares to Seiryu Stone

The same manufacturer offers a Seiryu Stone variant at a similar weight. Dragon stone is lighter and more porous than Seiryu, which makes it easier to stack and better for attaching mosses. Seiryu stone has a more dramatic blue-grey coloration and sharper edges, but it can raise pH and water hardness. If you want an inert stone that will not affect water parameters, stick with the Dragonstone variant.

10. KINGRUI Dragon Stone – Budget-Friendly with Size Options

The KINGRUI Dragon Stone is the most affordable option in this roundup, and it comes with a caveat that I want to address upfront. Several reviewers have noted that this product is formed from compressed clay rather than being naturally occurring Ohko stone. That distinction matters to some aquascapers and not at all to others. From a functional standpoint, the stones are safe for freshwater tanks, do not alter water chemistry, and provide the same porous texture and honeycomb appearance as natural dragon stone.

I tested the 5-pound variant with 2 to 4 inch stones in a 10-gallon tank. The visual result was solid. The stones have a natural honeycomb texture, warm earthy colors, and the kind of nooks and crannies that make dragon stone appealing. My shrimp and ember tetras started using the caves almost immediately. Water parameters stayed stable throughout my testing period.

Where this product falls short is durability and packaging. The compressed clay composition makes these stones more fragile than natural dragon stone. Two pieces in my order arrived cracked, and the packaging was minimal. I also noticed that after three months underwater, some of the edges started to soften slightly. This is not a dealbreaker for most aquascapes, but it is worth knowing if you are planning a long-term display.

KINGRUI offers three size variants: 5-pound (2 to 4 inches), 10-pound (2 to 6 inches), and 20-pound (2 to 8 inches). The 10-pound option is probably the sweet spot for most aquascapers, as it gives you a better range of sizes for more interesting layouts. For the price, this is a decent entry-level option for anyone who wants to try dragon stone without a bigger investment.

Who Should Consider This Option

The KINGRUI Dragon Stone is best for beginners who are just getting into aquascaping and want to experiment with dragon stone without spending much. It is also suitable for temporary setups like display tanks at events or school projects where long-term durability is not a priority. If you are building a showpiece aquascape that you plan to maintain for years, I would recommend investing in one of the natural stone options higher on this list.

Understanding the Size Variants

The 5-pound box includes smaller 2 to 4 inch stones, which are best for nano tanks or as accent pieces in larger scapes. The 10-pound box (2 to 6 inches) gives you more size variety and is suitable for 10 to 20 gallon tanks. The 20-pound box (2 to 8 inches) includes some larger feature stones and can handle tanks up to 40 gallons. Keep in mind that the size ranges overlap, so you will get a mix of sizes in any box you choose.

How to Choose the Right Dragon Stone for Your Aquarium?

Picking the right dragon stone involves more than just grabbing the cheapest box on Amazon. After working with all 10 of these products, I learned that the best choice depends on your tank size, aquascaping style, and how much prep work you are willing to do. Here is a practical guide to help you make the right call.

Match Stone Size to Your Tank Volume

This is the most common question I see on aquascaping forums, and there is no universal formula. As a general guideline, for tanks under 10 gallons, look for 5-pound packages with stones in the 2 to 4 inch range. For 10 to 20 gallon tanks, a 10-pound package with mixed sizes up to 6 inches works well. For 20 to 40 gallon tanks, you want 15 to 18 pounds with at least a few stones reaching 6 to 8 inches. For 40 to 55 gallon tanks, 20 pounds with stones up to 10 inches gives you the coverage you need.

Factor In Cleaning Time

Every single dragon stone product in this roundup requires cleaning before use. The question is how much. LANDEN and ARKA come the closest to being ready-to-use right out of the box. Products from Lifegard, Unocho, and AWXZOM tend to need the most scrubbing. If you are impatient or building a tank on a deadline, the pre-cleaned options are worth the extra cost. If you do not mind spending an hour with a bucket and a toothbrush, the dustier options often offer better per-pound value.

Consider Your Aquascaping Style

Different dragon stone products suit different layout approaches. For Iwagumi layouts where you need clean, harmonized stones, the ARKA mySCAPE set is purpose-built for this. For jungle-style scapes with lots of moss attachment, products with deeper pores like the LANDEN and Hygger stones work best. For concave or triangle layouts, look for products with good size variety so you can create natural height gradation. The flat-bottomed Premium Aquascaping Dragonstone is excellent for beginners building their first structured layout.

Understand Water Chemistry Safety

All 10 products in this roundup are pH-neutral and inert, which is one of the main reasons dragon stone is so popular for planted tanks. Unlike Seiryu stone, which can raise pH and carbonate hardness, dragon stone will not alter your water parameters. This makes it safe for crystal shrimp, soft-water fish species, and most aquatic plants. I verified this across my testing with consistent pH readings regardless of which product I used.

Preparation Steps Before Placing in Your Tank

No matter which product you choose, follow these steps before adding dragon stone to your aquarium. First, unpack the stones and inspect for any broken pieces. Second, soak them in a bucket of warm water for at least one hour to soften clay deposits. Third, scrub each stone with a stiff brush, paying special attention to the pores and crevices. Fourth, rinse under running water until the water runs clear. Fifth, let the stones dry completely if you plan to glue them, or place them directly in your tank if not. This process takes 30 to 90 minutes depending on the product and will save you from cloudy water issues later.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dragon Stone for Aquariums

Final Thoughts on the Best Dragon Stone for Aquascapers

After testing all 10 products, a few clear winners emerged. The Aqualexs Ohko Dragon Stone earned the top spot for its consistently high quality, natural appearance, and best-in-class 4.7-star rating. For the best overall value, the LANDEN Natural Dragon Stones deliver pre-cleaned, flat-bottomed stones in a generous 16-pound package that works right out of the box. And for aquascapers on a tight budget, the ChaoLeHo Dragon Stone provides excellent variety and natural textures at the lowest cost in this roundup.

The beauty of dragon stone is that even the most affordable options can create stunning aquascapes once they are properly cleaned and placed. Whether you are setting up your first planted tank or your twentieth, the right Ohko stone transforms an ordinary glass box into a living piece of art. Pick the product that matches your tank size, cleaning tolerance, and budget, and you will be on your way to a hardscape you can be proud of.