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Pygmy Chain Sword
Echinodorus tenellus
Also known as Pygmy Chain, Chain Sword, Narrow Leaf Chain Sword, Narrow-leaf Chain Sword
Plantae›Tracheophyta›Magnoliopsida›Alismatales›Alismataceae
📍 South America
Echinodorus Tenellus, the Pygmy Chain Sword, is a dwarf sword plant that forms a low, grass-like foreground carpet via prolific runners. Its narrow, strap-like leaves rarely exceed 10 cm (3.9 in), making it one of the few true sword plants suitable for foreground use. Under good lighting and CO2 it spreads rapidly; without CO2 growth is slower but still achievable.
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Tanks keeping this 🌿
Growing in 1 tankCommunity tanks featuring Pygmy Chain Sword.
Compatible Livestock
Algae-eating fish that won't uproot or damage delicate carpet plants; beneficial for tank cleanliness
Small, non-destructive shrimp that graze algae and won't disturb plant roots; thrive in same water parameters
Companion foreground plant with similar light and nutrient requirements; creates layered carpet effect
Small, peaceful fish that won't uproot plants; add movement and color without causing damage
Larger shrimp variety that controls algae effectively and respects planted carpets
Complementary foreground plant with similar growth requirements; creates dense, textured carpet
Common Diseases
Nutrient Deficiency (Nitrogen/Iron)
Yellowing or pale leaves, stunted growth, loss of vibrant coloration, slow runner development
Increase liquid fertilizer dosing; add all-in-one fertilizer with chelated iron; ensure adequate macronutrient levels (NPK)
Algae Overgrowth on Leaves
Green or brown algae coating leaf surfaces, reduced photosynthesis, plant vigor decline
Increase water changes (30-50% weekly); reduce light duration to 8-10 hours; add algae-eating fish or shrimp; improve water flow
Root Rot (Poor Substrate Conditions)
Mushy roots, plant detachment from substrate, black/brown discoloration at base, stunted growth
Improve substrate aeration; add root tabs with beneficial bacteria; increase water circulation; ensure substrate isn't compacted or anaerobic
Melting (Adaptation Stress)
Leaves dissolving or becoming translucent, plant appearing to shrink, leaf loss
Maintain stable water parameters (pH 6.5–7.5, temp 20–28°C); increase CO2 gradually; ensure adequate lighting; be patient as plant acclimates (2–4 weeks)
Tips from the community 💡
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Quick Facts
- co2
- Recommended for carpeting
- light
- Medium to high (80–150 PAR)
- placement
- Foreground carpet
- substrate
- Nutrient-rich substrate; root tabs beneficial
- growth rate
- Moderate
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.5–7.5
- nitrate
- <20 ppm
- hardness
- 2–15 dGH
- temperature
- 68–82°F (20–28°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.