Echinodorus Tenellus, commonly known as Pygmy Chain Sword, is a fascinating aquarium plant that I've enjoyed having in my aquarium. This carpeting plant is also considered to be low maintenance, making it a great choice for hobbyists looking for an alternative to more demanding carpeting plants that require intense lighting and CO2 injection. Native to the Amazon River basin in South America, Echinodorus Tenellus can thrive well in most low-tech tanks and add that lush green aesthetic that many aquarists desire.
What sets Pygmy Chain Sword apart from other aquarium plants is its narrow, lanceolate leaves and captivating white flowers. As an easy-to-grow plant, it can create a green carpet in the aquarium, offering visual appeal and a healthy environment for aquatic life. Furthermore, its tank requirements and water parameters are not too demanding. With proper care and attention to lighting, fertilizer, and substrate, your Echinodorus Tenellus will flourish and enhance the overall appearance of any aquarium.
Growing and propagating Echinodorus Tenellus is quite simple, even for beginners. By providing the right tank conditions, this South American native plant will continue to thrive and spread, creating that desired lush green carpet. As a popular choice among aquarium enthusiasts, I highly recommend considering Echinodorus Tenellus for your aquatic habitat. Its unique appearance, ease of growth, and visual appeal can enhance any aquarium and beautifully bring a touch of nature to your aquatic environment.
Classification and Distribution
Botanical Classification
Echinodorus Tenellus, also known as the pygmy chain sword, belongs to the plant kingdom (Plantae). It is a part of the Anthophyta phylum, the Monocotyledoneae class, and the Alismatales order. Within this order, the plant falls under the Alismataceae family1.
Here's a summary of the classification:
Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Anthophyta
Class: Monocotyledoneae
Order: Alismatales
Family: Alismataceae
Scientific Name: Echinodorus Tenellus
Geographic Origin
Echinodorus Tenellus has a wide distribution, covering various regions in the Americas. It originates from different parts of North America, Central America, and South America. You can find this plant species in the eastern United States stretching from Texas to Florida, and further up north to Michigan and Massachusetts2. In Central America, it is native to countries such as Mexico, specifically in the Chiapas and Veracruz regions2.
The West Indies, including countries like Cuba, Jamaica, and Hispaniola, also host this plant species2. Moreover, in South America, the range of Echinodorus Tenellus extends from Guyana all the way to Argentina2.
In summary, the distribution of Echinodorus Tenellus spans across:
North America: Eastern United States (Texas to Florida; Michigan to Massachusetts)
Central America: Mexico (Chiapas, Veracruz)
West Indies: Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola
South America: From Guyana to Argentina
Footnotes
Description and Characteristics
Morphology
Echinodorus Tenellus, commonly known as Pygmy Chain Sword, is a visually appealing aquatic plant with green leaves that make it perfect for creating a natural underwater landscape. It is characterized by its lanceolate and narrow leaves, which are attached to a short petiole. The leaf blade varies in width, typically around 3mm, and displays prominent veins running from the base to the tip.
In addition to its foliage, Echinodorus Tenellus features small, delicate white inflorescence with three petals, sepals, and a set of stamens and pistils. The anthers present at the end of the stamens release pollen, contributing to the plant's reproduction.
Growth Habits
As a carpeting plant, Echinodorus Tenellus exhibits an interesting growth pattern through a series of runners. It creates a dense green carpet-like appearance when grown in optimal conditions. The Pygmy Chain Sword can reach a height of 5-10 cm (2-4 inches), making it suitable for beginner aquarists and low tech tanks. The key factors for its successful growth are adequate lighting and a nutrient-rich substrate.
One of the benefits of growing Echinodorus Tenellus is its adaptability to a wide range of aquarium setups. However, it is essential to avoid placing it underneath taller plants, as this can limit its growth potential. By providing the right environment and care, I can ensure that my Pygmy Chain Sword thrives, adding both beauty and functionality to my aquarium.
Cultivation in Aquariums
Substrate and Planting
When it comes to setting an ideal environment for Echinodorus Tenellus, having the right substrate is crucial. I recommend using fine gravel as the substrate, which allows the plant to anchor and spread its roots properly. To plant the Echinodorus Tenellus, I would prepare the fine gravel by rinsing it thoroughly before placing it at the bottom of the aquarium. After that, it is essential to gently bury the plant's roots into the substrate without causing any damage.
Lighting and CO2 Requirements
To help the Echinodorus Tenellus thrive in an aquarium, I would ensure it receives medium to bright lighting. The proper lighting conditions will support the plant's growth and overall health. Regarding CO2 requirements, Echinodorus Tenellus is adaptable, but additional CO2 supplementation can prove beneficial in promoting lush growth.
Here are some recommendations for lighting and CO2 requirements:
Light: 0.5 to 0.8 watts per gallon (medium) or 0.8 to 1.3 watts per gallon (bright)
CO2: 5 to 40 ppm depending on other nutrients present
Water Conditions
As an aquarist, I take water conditions seriously while cultivating Echinodorus Tenellus in my aquarium. The ideal temperature range for this species is 68-84°F (20-29°C), making it suitable for both tropical and cold-water aquariums. The plant thrives when the water pH is slightly acidic, keeping a range of 6.2 - 7.5.
To maintain the water conditions, I follow these guidelines:
Temperature: Monitor and maintain a stable temperature using a heater and thermometer in the aquarium.
pH: Test the water regularly to ensure the pH level remains within the ideal range. If necessary, use pH modifier substances to keep the water balanced.
Nutrients: Provide essential nutrients for the Echinodorus Tenellus' growth, such as iron and trace elements, through liquid fertilizers or nutrient-rich substrates.
By adhering to these cultivation guidelines, I aim to create a thriving environment for the Echinodorus Tenellus in my aquarium, contributing to a beautiful and healthy aquascape.
Propagation and Maintenance
Asexual Reproduction
Echinodorus Tenellus, also known as Pygmy Chain Sword, is a carpeting plant that can easily propagate through runners. In my experience, these runners generate and spread new plantlets laterally, creating a beautiful green carpet in the aquarium. Runners usually develop when the plant grows emersed or submerged in water, so there is no need to worry about any specific conditions for the plant to reproduce successfully.
To encourage the growth of plantlets, I usually follow these steps:
Observe the runners and wait for visible nodes where new plantlets can develop.
Gently trim the runners once plantlets are sturdy and have a few leaves.
Replant the plantlets in different sections of the aquarium to encourage better coverage.
Considering that Echinodorus Tenellus does not produce seeds, this asexual reproduction through runners is the primary method of propagation.
Pruning and Care
Providing regular pruning and care is essential for maintaining a healthy green carpet in the aquarium. I find that the key to a well-maintained carpet is finding the right balance between trimming and allowing the plant to propagate naturally.
As the plant grows taller, its red coloration tends to become more intense. To maintain a lush green carpet and control its height, I recommend the following steps:
Trim the leaves regularly, focusing on the taller ones that receive more intense lighting.
Remove any dead or decaying leaves to ensure the plant's nutrient intake is optimized.
Monitor the overall health of the plant, intervening if there are any signs of deterioration, such as yellowing leaves or stunted growth.
By following these steps, I maintain a beautiful and dense green carpet of Echinodorus Tenellus in my aquarium without sacrificing the plant's growth or aesthetic appeal. In essence, taking care of this plant is straightforward, and its fast-growing nature means that it will quickly recover from any necessary trimming or replanting.
Common Varieties and Aquascaping
Popular Cultivars
Echinodorus Tenellus, also known as the Pygmy Chain Sword, is a popular carpeting plant in the aquarium world. There are a few common cultivars of E. Tenellus, each with its characteristics that set them apart.
Standard variety: This popular variety has dark green leaves creating a beautiful, dense carpet in the foreground of the aquarium. Fish Laboratory mentions that this plant is an excellent alternative for hobbyists looking for a less demanding carpeting plant.
E. Tenellus "parvulum": This particular variety has light green leaves that are not as narrow as the standard variety. According to Shrimp and Snail Breeder, both this variety and the standard one are cultivated as foreground plants.
Designing with E. Tenellus
When using E. Tenellus in aquascaping, I strive for a lush, natural-looking carpet effect. The plant's grass-like appearance makes it an ideal choice for achieving this style. To promote dense growth, it's essential to provide optimum nutrients and lighting conditions. Still, E. Tenellus is relatively easy to grow compared to other demanding carpeting plants, as mentioned by Hepper.
To create a carpet-like aquascape, follow these simple steps:
Planting: Start by planting small E. Tenellus clumps or individual stems, spaced evenly in the desired foreground area.
Runner growth: The plant grows by sending out lateral runners. Make sure to give it enough space to spread and create the desired carpet effect.
Maintenance: It is important to trim E. Tenellus regularly to keep the carpet growth dense and healthy. Sparse growth might not provide the ideal look for your aquascape design.
In conclusion, E. Tenellus or Pygmy Chain Sword is a versatile and beautiful carpeting plant that can add a unique, lush, green appearance to your aquarium. Whether you choose the standard variety or the "parvulum" variety, incorporating this plant into your aquascape design is sure to provide a visually appealing and captivating foreground display.
