Animal-World > Freshwater Fish > Aquarium Plants > Anacharis

Anacharis
Brazilian Waterweed ~ Elodea

Egeria densa (Syn: Elodea densa)
Photo © 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:
Guide to a Healthy Planted Aquarium

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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.

Buy Anacharis
From LiveAquaria.com

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Latest Comments
"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 ali 2007-04-05
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! Aleen 2006-08-18
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. Kenny 2006-03-14
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. scott reed 2006-01-17
i like these Plants alot so i have one in my house. Andrew Johnson 2005-11-18
Some of the coolest comments:
I remember always having anacharis in all the fish tanks we had when I was growing up. As a child, I worked in a neighborhood tropical fish store and remember that anacharis outsold all other plants many times over, mostly due to the hardiness of it. That was all in California. I now live in Washington (State). I was shocked to find out that I couldnt buy anachris in the state of Washington as it was put on some list naming it a weed, and therefore is illegal to sell. I have yet to find any plant that even comes close to it Bernadette M. 2005-01-05
My dear friends, excellent oxygenator- will adapt to warm or cold water and can even tolerate small amounts of salt, but contrary to common belief, WIlL BE EATEN BY POND AND RAMSHORN SNAILS. If you havent already screwed up by getting snails -DONT. I started with ONE snail and now have over 300- (yes they can procreate by themselves) Snail-mishaps 2004-01-20

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