Echinodorus Ozelot
Echinodorus 'Ozelot'
Also known as Ozelot Sword, Ocelot Sword
Plantae›Tracheophyta›Magnoliopsida›Alismataceae
Variety of Amazon Sword · ozelot
📍 South America
Echinodorus Ozelot is a hybrid cultivar renowned for its striking green leaves adorned with irregular dark-brown to red spots, resembling the coat of an ocelot. It is a vigorous, moderately sized sword plant reaching 25–40 cm (9.8–15.8 in) that makes an eye-catching focal specimen in the midground or background. New leaves often emerge with a reddish tint before maturing to spotted green.
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Tanks keeping this 🌿
Growing in 2 tanksCommunity tanks featuring Echinodorus Ozelot.
Compatible Livestock
Algae-eating fish that won't damage plant leaves; helps maintain tank cleanliness without harming the sword
Small, peaceful community fish that provide visual contrast and won't uproot or consume plant tissue
Beneficial invertebrates that consume algae and detritus without damaging plant leaves or roots
Complementary slow-growing plant with different leaf structure; creates layered aquascaping with the sword
Companion plant with similar care requirements; both thrive in moderate light and benefit from liquid fertilization
Common Diseases
Nutrient Deficiency (Iron/Macronutrient)
Yellowing or pale new leaves, stunted growth, loss of red coloration in emerging foliage, interveinal chlorosis
Increase all-in-one fertilizer dosing or add targeted iron supplements; ensure adequate lighting and CO₂ if available; test water parameters and adjust macronutrient balance
Algae Overgrowth (Black Beard/Hair Algae)
Dark filamentous or brush-like algae coating leaf surfaces and stems, reduced photosynthesis, plant vigor decline
Reduce light duration to 8-10 hours daily, increase water changes (30-50% weekly), add algae-eating fish or shrimp, manually remove affected leaves, consider hydrogen peroxide spot treatment on heavily affected areas
Root Rot (Anaerobic Substrate)
Mushy or blackened roots, foul odor from substrate, leaf yellowing and melting despite adequate fertilization, stunted growth
Improve substrate aeration by gently stirring substrate or adding root tabs; increase water circulation; perform partial water changes; replant in fresh substrate if severely affected; ensure substrate is nutrient-rich but not compacted
Leaf Melting (Emersion Shock)
Rapid deterioration of older leaves, transparent or dissolving leaf tissue, plant appears to shrivel despite adequate water
Maintain stable water parameters (pH 6.5–7.5, temperature 22–28°C); ensure consistent fertilization; allow 2-4 weeks for acclimation after planting; avoid drastic water parameter changes; trim damaged leaves to encourage new growth
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Quick Facts
- co2
- Beneficial but not essential
- light
- Medium (50–100 PAR)
- placement
- Midground to background focal specimen
- substrate
- Nutrient-rich substrate; root tabs recommended
- growth rate
- Moderate
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.5–7.5
- nitrate
- <30 ppm
- hardness
- 5–15 dGH
- temperature
- 72–82°F (22–28°C)
Legality
No state or federal restrictions on record for this species.
Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and locality and change over time — always confirm the current regulations with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping, or shipping this species.