Ozelot sword (Echinodorus 'Ozelot') care guide

Group
Plants
Other names
Echinodorus 'Ozelot Green', Ozelot amazon sword
Family
Alismataceae (water-plantain family)
Origin
Cultivar (hybrid of Echinodorus schlueteri 'Leopard' and Echinodorus 'Barthii')
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
50 cm
Temperature
20–28°C
pH
6–7.5
Hardness
2–15 dGH
Care level
beginner
Lighting
Low to medium light; CO2 not needed

Care

A man-made hybrid sword bred from Echinodorus schlueteri 'Leopard' and Echinodorus 'Barthii'. Its red-brown leaves are marked with dark, oval spots like an ocelot's coat, darkest on the youngest leaves. Unlike many spotted swords it keeps its markings even under low light. It reaches about 20–50 cm tall and 20–40 cm across, so it suits the midground of medium tanks or the background of smaller ones, and makes a good single specimen. Plant it in a rich substrate and keep the crown just above the surface. Tropica rates it as easy and good for beginners: it grows at a medium rate with low light and no added CO2, though root tablets keep it lush. Tropica also sells a plain-leaved form, 'Ozelot Green'. Water figures are our estimate, not from the sources. Sources: Tropica (tropica.com/en/plants); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.

Breeding

Tropica does not describe propagation. As a cultivar it should be increased vegetatively so it stays true: swords of this group are usually increased from the young plantlets that form on the flower stems (peg the stem down or cut the plantlet off once it has a few leaves and roots) or by cutting the rhizome into pieces that each have leaves and roots.

Compatibility and tank mates

The leaves are tough and most fish and snails leave them alone. Large cichlids and goldfish may dig the plant up while it is rooting, so weigh the base down with stones at first. Suits tropical community tanks; the large leaves give shy fish cover.

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

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