Echinodorus angustifolius is now treated as a synonym of Helanthium bolivianum, one of the small chain swords that were moved out of Echinodorus into Helanthium. Tropica sells this plant as Helanthium bolivianum 'Quadricostatus' (also sold as Echinodorus bolivianus var. magdalenensis) and notes that its naming has been confused. It forms small rosettes of light green, narrow leaves 10–15 cm long, each rosette 15–20 cm across, and contrasts well with darker plants. Use it in groups in the foreground or midground, where runners soon fill gaps. Tropica rates it easy, with low light and CO2 needs. Very pale leaves point to a shortage of micronutrients such as iron. Water figures are our estimate, not from the sources. Sources: Tropica (tropica.com/en/plants); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Echinodorus); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.
Breeding
Spreads by runners across the substrate when conditions suit it; cut off the plantlets once rooted and replant them.
Compatibility and tank mates
Generally left alone by community fish and shrimp. Digging cichlids and goldfish uproot it easily.
Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.
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