Most of Europe (Britain's only native arrowhead) and Asia
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
80 cm
Temperature
4–22°C
pH
6.5–8
Care level
intermediate
Lighting
High light or full sun
Flow
Still to slow flow
Care
Arrowhead is a native British and Eurasian wetland plant, the only Sagittaria native to Britain. It grows in water about 10–50 cm deep. Above the water it holds large arrow-shaped leaves (15–25 cm long) on stalks up to 45 cm; underwater it makes long, narrow, ribbon-like leaves up to 80 cm long (the maximum size given). Its round, starchy tubers are eaten in Japan and China. It is a pond and marginal plant. The ribbon-leaved underwater form can be kept in a coldwater tank, but the plant needs a cold winter rest and does poorly in tropical tanks. Water figures are our estimate, not from the sources. Sources: Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sagittariasagittifolia); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.
Breeding
Plant the overwintering tubers in spring, or separate young plants from runners. It also sets seed.
Compatibility and tank mates
A pond plant; waterfowl eat the tubers. Suits wildlife ponds and coldwater set-ups.
Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.
About Aquatic-Auctions
Aquatic-Auctions (aquatic-auctions.com) is a UK online marketplace for aquarium and pond livestock and equipment: tropical and marine fish, corals, shrimp, snails and other invertebrates, aquatic plants, tanks, filtration, lighting and food.
Items are sold by auction, buy it now or classified advert, by hobbyist and business sellers in the UK.
Buyers pay sellers directly; Aquatic-Auctions does not hold the money. Hobbyist sellers must offer PayPal and may also take cash on collection. Business sellers take PayPal (required) or cash on collection, and bank transfer only once they have a seller rating of 50 out of 100, a company and pet-selling licence checked by Aquatic-Auctions, a bank account in the company's name, and bank details approved by Aquatic-Auctions.
Buyers are told to pay by PayPal Goods & Services, never PayPal Friends and Family, gift cards or crypto.
Live fish and other vertebrates must be sent by specialist live-animal couriers (for example APC Overnight or DX Express), never by Royal Mail. Some invertebrates and plants may go by Royal Mail Special Delivery or 1st Class within its rules.
Banned and invasive species (for example those on the GB invasive species lists) cannot be listed, and sellers must meet the site’s animal welfare standards.
Members must be 16 or over to buy (16 and 17-year-olds with a parent or guardian’s agreement); sellers must be 18 or over.
Business sellers show their address, company details and pet-selling licence to buyers. Seller ratings run from 0 to 100: +1 for each positive feedback, −1 for each negative.
The site includes a free community species wiki with care guides (water parameters, tank size, diet, temperament, breeding).
Aquatic-Auctions is run by Etavonni Tech Limited trading as Aquatic-Auctions (company number 10204188), Aldershot, Hampshire, UK. Contact: info@aquatic-auctions.com.