This Hygrophila was named after the Brazilian river Araguaia in trade, however, later on it was identified as the Asian species Hygrophila lancea. Under water it grows lineal reddish-brown leaves with a lighter-coloured central vein. Its stems have a creeping growth habit, ramify well and form low bushes. It needs a good CO₂ supply. Trimming the leaves maintains the bushy form. Hygrophila lancea "Araguaia" needs intensive lighting, and in contrast to most other Hygrophila species it is a rather slow grower. Usually it is sold in its emerged form and differs very much from the underwater form, which develops after it has been placed in the aquarium.

This narrow-leaved creeping Hygrophila, allegedly from South America, was identified by Dieter Wasshausen (Smithsonian Institution, Washington) as Hygrophila lancea, a species from Asia. It is widely spread among hobbyists in the USA, but only recently also in Europe.