Black-red amazon (Echinodorus horemanii) care guide

Group
Plants
Other names
Aquarius uruguayensis (current name), Echinodorus uruguayensis, Uruguay sword, Echinodorus osiris, Echinodorus aschersonianus
Family
Alismataceae (water-plantain family)
Origin
South America (Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and Chile)
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
50 cm
Temperature
18–26°C
pH
6–7.5
Care level
intermediate
Lighting
Good light; CO2 recommended

Care

Echinodorus horemanii, sold in red and green forms, is now treated as a synonym of the Uruguay sword, Aquarius uruguayensis (formerly Echinodorus uruguayensis). Wikipedia now follows a 2018 revision that moves most swords out of Echinodorus into the genus Aquarius, so you will also see the name below. E. aschersonianus, E. osiris and E. africanus are among the other names for this species. Submerged leaves are 5–50 cm long, with ribbon-shaped blades up to about 30 cm long and 1–3 cm wide; young growth is often reddish. It suits the midground or background of a medium to large tank. It grows slowly, prefers a nutrient-rich substrate, good light and extra CO2, tolerates a range of water and grows at subtropical temperatures. It is often confused with E. major. Water figures are our estimate, not from the sources. Sources: Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Echinodorusuruguayensis); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.

Breeding

By division of the rhizome. It flowers readily when grown emersed; move it to emersed growth gradually.

Compatibility and tank mates

Sword leaves are fairly tough, but large cichlids, goldfish and other diggers may uproot young plants or chew soft new leaves; root them well. Good with tetras, angelfish, discus and other tropical community fish. Snails may graze old leaves.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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