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 aschersonianus 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. See also the E. horemanii page, which is the same 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 grows slowly, prefers a nutrient-rich substrate, good light and extra CO2, tolerates a range of water and grows at subtropical temperatures. Water figures are our estimate, not from the sources. Sources: Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Echinodorusuruguayensis); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Echinodorus); 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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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.
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