Southern and central USA, Central America, the West Indies and South America south to Argentina
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
45 cm
Temperature
20–28°C
pH
6–7
Hardness
Soft (dislikes hard water)
Care level
beginner
Lighting
Good light; CO2 helpful
Care
The cellophane sword grows submerged or emersed across much of the Americas, and small land forms also occur. Its submerged leaves are thin and translucent, 10–45 cm long, which gives it the name; emersed leaf blades are 5–12 cm on stalks up to 55 cm. Wikipedia keeps it in Echinodorus (it is the type of the genus) while most other swords have moved to Aquarius. It is easy to grow but soon outgrows an average aquarium, so use it in the background of a large tank with a deep, rich substrate and good light. It prefers soft, slightly acidic water and does poorly in hard water. Temperature and pH figures are our estimate, not from the sources. Sources: Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Echinodorusberteroi); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Echinodorus); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.
Breeding
By division, by plantlets that form on the flower stem, or from seed.
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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Items are sold by auction, buy it now or classified advert, by hobbyist and business sellers in the UK.
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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).
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