Cholla Wood Skeletons are the remains after a cholla plant dies. It is a soft wood which provides a food source for bio film that shrimp will feed on, similar to what leaves do. The holes in cholla wood provides hiding places for shrimp and fish when they are feeling vulnerable. The wood will eventually break down and disappear but it will take at least a year for the thinnest pieces and much longer for the thicker ones. You may also use cholla wood for reptiles, birds, chinchillas, crabs, rabbits, hamsters to chew on or any other little animals. Cholla wood may float until saturated, which usually can take 24-48 hours. Boiling prior to use will help increase rate at which the wood will sink.