🐟 Endler Guppy (Poecilia wingei)
Common Names: Endler's Livebearer, Endler Guppy
Origin: Laguna de los Patos, Venezuela
Size: Males: ~1 inch (2.5 cm), Females: ~1.5 inches (3.8 cm)
Lifespan: 2–3 years
Temperament: Peaceful and active
Tank Level: Top to mid-dweller
🌿 Description:
Endler Guppies are small, vibrantly colored freshwater fish known for their flashy neon hues and lively behavior. Males are especially colorful, often displaying bright orange, green, blue, and black patterns. Females are typically larger but more muted in color. They are closely related to common guppies (Poecilia reticulata) but are considered a distinct species.
🏠 Tank Requirements:
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Tank Size: Minimum 5 gallons (19 liters), but 10+ gallons is ideal for groups
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Water Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C)
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pH: 6.8–8.0
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Hardness: Moderate to hard (8–20 dGH)
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Filtration: Gentle filtration is ideal (like sponge filters)
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Aquascape: Plants, mosses, and hiding spots; they enjoy well-planted tanks
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Lighting: Moderate to bright to bring out their colors
🍽️ Diet:
Endlers are omnivores and thrive on a varied diet:
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High-quality micro pellets or flakes
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Frozen or live foods (e.g., brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms)
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Vegetable matter or spirulina-based foods
Feed small amounts 1–2 times daily, ensuring no leftover food to avoid water pollution.
🧬 Breeding:
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Endlers are prolific livebearers; females can give birth every 3–4 weeks.
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No special breeding setup is required, but a heavily planted tank helps fry survive.
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Separate males and females if you want to control population growth.
🤝 Tank Mates:
Peaceful fish only—ideal companions include:
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Other small livebearers (e.g., guppies, mollies)
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Small tetras
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Corydoras
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Shrimp (though fry may be eaten)
Avoid aggressive or fin-nipping fish.
📝 Notes:
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Wild-type Endlers are rare and often more vividly colored than hybrids.
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Avoid crossbreeding with common guppies if you're preserving pure Endler genetics.
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Excellent for nano tanks and beginner aquarists.
