Pygmy Chain Sword (Helanthium tenellum) is a beginner-level aquarium plant. A grass-like foreground plant that spreads by runners into a lawn. It adapts to many tanks, and stronger light and fertilizer give a thicker carpet and redder new growth.
Care facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Helanthium tenellum |
|---|---|
| Family | Alismataceae |
| Origin | The Americas |
| Height | 3-4 in |
| Light | Low to moderate |
| CO2 | Optional |
| Placement | Foreground carpet |
| Growth rate | Moderate to fast |
| Temperature | 68-82°F |
| pH | 6.0-7.5 |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Propagation | Runners |
Quick tips
- Plant small clumps spaced a few inches apart.
- Trim runners to keep it from spreading everywhere.
- Use root tabs for a thicker carpet.
San Diego water
Captive-bred stock usually adapts to San Diego tap water with slow acclimation. For best color and health, many keepers blend tap with RO/DI water. Learn the numbers in our San Diego tap water guide.
New to planted tanks? Start with our beginner planted tank guide and the plant fertilizer guide.
Find it at Pet Zone
Pet Zone Tropical Fish is a San Diego aquarium store with two locations. Stock changes daily, so call ahead if you are after a specific species or plant. Shop online at petzonesd.com.
4160 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 987-0309
Open daily, 10am-6pm
Aquascaping, planted tanks
4266 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92105
(619) 283-1812
Closed Monday; Tue-Fri 10:30am-6pm, Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 11am-4pm
Monster fish, koi