Small Amazon Sword – Echinodorus amazonicus
The Small Amazon Sword (Echinodorus amazonicus) is a hardy and beginner-friendly aquarium plant known for its broad, sword-shaped green leaves. This popular freshwater plant adds a lush, natural look to planted aquariums while providing cover for fish, fry, and shrimp.
Smaller than many standard Amazon Sword varieties, this plant works well as a midground plant in larger aquariums or a background plant in smaller tanks. It is a great choice for beginner aquarists, low-tech planted tanks, and peaceful community aquariums.
Key Features
- Broad green sword-shaped leaves
- Hardy and beginner-friendly aquarium plant
- Great for midground or background placement
- Provides natural cover for fish, fry, and shrimp
- Can grow well in low-tech freshwater aquariums
Plant Care Information
- Scientific Name: Echinodorus amazonicus
- Common Name: Small Amazon Sword
- Placement: Midground to background
- Lighting: Low to medium; stronger light may encourage faster growth
- Temperature: 72–82°F
- pH: 6.5–7.5
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Care Level: Easy
- CO2: Not required, but can improve growth
- Substrate: Nutrient-rich substrate or root tabs recommended
- Height: Approximately 8–12 inches depending on conditions
Tank Placement
Small Amazon Sword can be used as a background plant in smaller aquariums or a midground plant in larger layouts. Its broad leaves create a full, lush appearance and pair well with carpeting plants, driftwood, stone, and smaller foreground plants.
Plant the roots into the substrate while keeping the crown of the plant above the substrate line. Burying the crown too deeply can cause melting or rot.
Lighting, CO2 & Nutrients
Small Amazon Sword is a strong choice for low-tech planted aquariums and does not require CO2 injection. However, CO2 and stronger lighting can help promote faster, fuller growth.
Like many sword plants, it is a heavy root feeder. A nutrient-rich substrate or regular root tabs are strongly recommended, especially when planted in sand or plain gravel.
Trimming & Maintenance
Remove older, damaged, or melting leaves by trimming them close to the base of the plant. This helps encourage fresh new growth and keeps the aquarium looking clean.
Once established, Small Amazon Sword is hardy, adaptable, and easy to maintain with stable water conditions and steady nutrients.
Best Uses in Aquariums
- Beginner planted aquariums
- Low-tech freshwater tanks
- Community fish aquariums
- Shrimp and fry cover
- Midground or background aquascaping
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Small Amazon Sword good for beginners?
Yes. Small Amazon Sword is hardy, adaptable, and one of the easier aquarium plants for beginner aquarists.
Does Small Amazon Sword need CO2?
No. It can grow well without CO2, though CO2 may help it grow faster and fuller.
How tall does Small Amazon Sword get?
Small Amazon Sword typically grows around 8–12 inches tall, depending on lighting, nutrients, and overall tank conditions.
Is Small Amazon Sword safe for fish and shrimp?
Yes. This plant is safe for freshwater fish, shrimp, and snails, and it provides excellent hiding spots and grazing surfaces.
How do I propagate Small Amazon Sword?
Amazon Sword plants may produce runners or plantlets under good conditions. Once the plantlets develop roots, they can be separated and replanted.
Does Small Amazon Sword need root tabs?
Root tabs are highly recommended because sword plants feed heavily through their roots, especially in sand or plain gravel substrates.
Available at Tropical Treasures Wyo
Small Amazon Sword is a great choice for aquarists looking for a hardy, lush, and beginner-friendly aquarium plant for freshwater planted tanks. Visit Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming, or shop online for live aquarium plants, freshwater fish, shrimp, and aquarium supplies.
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