Plant comparison
Anubias Barteri Nana vs Chain Sword
How the Anubias Barteri Nana and Chain Sword compare on care, size, water and temperament, and which plant suits your tank.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated
TL;DR, Anubias Barteri Nana vs Chain Sword
The Anubias Barteri Nana and the Chain Sword come up together a lot when people are choosing a plant, and they are close enough to weigh side by side. Both are happy somewhere around 22 to 28 °C and pH 6 to 7.5, so a single tank can suit either one. The Anubias Barteri Nana is the more forgiving of the two, which matters if this is an early tank, while the Chain Sword rewards a bit more attention. In a low-tech, low-light setup the Anubias Barteri Nana is the safer bet; the other really wants brighter light to look its best.
Group compatibility overview
Excellent fit
Every key parameter overlaps and no major conflicts surfaced.
Temperature
- Anubias Barteri Nana22–28 °C
- Chain Sword20–28 °C
pH
- Anubias Barteri Nana6–7.5
- Chain Sword6–7.5
Hardness
- Anubias Barteri Nana2–15 dGH
- Chain Sword2–15 dGH
Full attributes
Every parameter, side by side| Parameter |  PlantAnubias Barteri NanaAnubias barteri var. nana |  PlantChain SwordHelanthium tenellum |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Plant | Plant |
| Origin | West Africa (Cameroon) | South and Central America |
| Family | Araceae | Alismataceae |
| Temperature | 22–28 °C | 20–28 °C |
| pH | 6.0–7.5 | 6.0–7.5 |
| Hardness (dGH) | 2–15 | 2–15 |
| Flow rate | Low to High | Low to Medium |
| Max height | 10–15 cm | 5–12 cm |
| Difficulty | 1 / 5 | 2 / 5 |
| Light | Low to Medium | Medium to High |
| CO₂ | None to Optional | Optional |
| Growth rate | Slow | Medium |
Frequently asked questions
Direct answers to the questions search engines and AI assistants surface most often about this species.
Can you keep Anubias Barteri Nana and Chain Sword together?
Yes. Their temperature and pH ranges overlap around 22 to 28 °C and pH 6 to 7.5, so one set of water conditions keeps both comfortable. Match group sizes and cover the usual planted-tank basics and they share a tank fine.
Which is easier to keep, the Anubias Barteri Nana or the Chain Sword?
The Anubias Barteri Nana is the easier of the two, closer to very easy, while the Chain Sword leans beginner-friendly.
Do Anubias Barteri Nana and Chain Sword need the same water?
Close to it. Aim for 22 to 28 °C and pH 6 to 7.5 and you're in the shared sweet spot for both. Full ranges are in the table above.
What's the main difference between the Anubias Barteri Nana and the Chain Sword?
Placement and light. The Anubias Barteri Nana works as foreground or midground, the Chain Sword as foreground or midground, and their light needs differ, which is covered in the table.