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Anacharis

Brazilian Waterweed ~ Elodea

Egeria densaPhoto © Animal-World

   Anacharis, a hardy and easily kept plant, is probably the most commonly kept aquarium plant.

   Anacharis, Brazilian Waterweed, and Elodea are all common names used to for this species, Egeria densa. While this species is most suitable for a tropical aquarium, it can also be kept in cooler water. These same common names are also applied to the American or Canadian waterweed species of the Elodea genus, which are very similar. Elodea species are suitable for cool aquariums or ponds however, rather than tropical environments. To be certain of which 'Anacharis' you are obtaining, be sure to check its scientific name.

   Anacharis will root if the shoots are buried in the gravel, however they can be kept either as floating plants or as rooted plants. They grow very well in ponds and goldfish tanks and will survive in cold water. They are great beginner plants because they adapt very easily, grow quickly, and are easily propagated. They are also good oxygenators. The stems will grow up to 50 cm (20 in) or more, so they usually need to be kept trimmed.

For more Information on keeping a planted aquarium see:
About Planted Aquariums, Adding Aquatic Plants For a Healthy Aquarium

Distribution:    Anacharis or Brazilian Waterweed Egeria densa originated in South America, in warmer areas of the temperate zone. It can be found in Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Brazil and has also been introduced into North America, Africa, Europe, and Japan.

Water conditions:    Temperature: 50-77° F (10-25° C)
   pH: 6.5 - 7.5
   dCH: Prefers hard water

Lighting:
   Light level: Moderate

Propagation:    Cut stems will readily root in sand or gravel.

Availability:    Anacharis is readily available.

Author: Jasmine Brough

• Egeria densa : $4.24
• Egeria densa : $1.99

Egeria Densa Potted 5 9 Length Offered By: PetCo Price: $4.24

Anacharis Egeria Densa Offered By: That Pet Place Price: $1.99

Lastest Comments on Anacharis View all 13 comments on Anacharis Add Your Comment

scott reed - 2006-01-17 I just went down to lake Washington yesterday,and found a few bunches of anacharis,and also a lot of parrotfeather milfoil.This is why you can't buy it anymore,and why it is considered a naucsious weed.People,or someone released some of this as well as a few other species of aquarium plants into our lakes,and now they are so profuse it is just about all there is to find.Right,or wrong,it's out there to be found.I am happy with my cheap aquarium plants. Reply

Kenny - 2006-03-14 Anacharis is truly the easiest plants to have in any cold-tropical water aquariums! I only started out with a couple of bunches and now I have a full 20 gallon aquarium dedicated to anacharis! It will grow rougely. The best part is that it can withstand extremely cold temperatures meaning it can overwinter in outside ponds. The leaves will melt and it will regrow again once spring comes. Star - 2012-01-13 Can you tell me what your tank conditions are to have it grow so well? I need to culture this plant for teaching purposes and having a full tank dedicated to it is exactly what my goal is. So far I have not been that lucky. Reply

David - 2010-07-16 I have a pond (small) that initially occupied with different tropical fishes, but they always disappeared maybe because birds, or other. A few month ago I decided to take a different approach and bought 1 plant (Anacharis) so the fish could hide from predators, well it didn't work for the fish, so I moved the ones I got left with to my 20 gal tank, now I have so many Anacharis that I wish there was a way to use them and not kill them, Let me know if there is other use for the plant, thank you (Florida) sandy cook - 2011-04-06 I will take some off your hands! i can't find any here where I live. Reply

ali - 2007-04-05 "Anacharis" (Egeria densa) did NOT originate in North America. It is an exotic invasive and should NEVER be released or propagated outdoors. Egeria spp. are also easily confused with the similar-looking Hydrilla verticillatum, another invasive, which after released, has caused damage in the *hundreds of millions of dollars,* not to mention the difficult-to-quantify ecological implications. All "anacharis" plants should be properly disposed of (headed for water treatment plant or thoroughly dried before sending to a landfill). Elodea canadensis, another similar plant *is* native to North America, but identities are often too difficult to risk Reply

Aleen - 2006-08-18 I got 3 bunches of Anacharis last week and they are already growing to the top of my tank. when I got them they had mostly all brown leaves on them, now they are all green. it is a very good plant; hardy and pretty. I would definitely recommend this plant! Reply

Andrew Johnson - 2005-11-18 i like these Plants alot so i have one in my house. Reply

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