By weeebooo70@gmail.com 
Aquarium hobbyists across the globe are constantly on the lookout for small, colorful, and easy-to-care-for fish species that bring vibrancy to their tanks. One such gem is Endler’s Livebearer (Poecilia wingei), a close relative of the guppy that has quickly gained popularity among fish keepers. Known for their bright patterns, peaceful behavior, and hardiness, Endler’s Livebearers are perfect for both beginners and experienced aquarists.
In this long-form guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about keeping Endler’s Livebearers, including their origin, appearance, tank requirements, breeding habits, diet, care tips, and common mistakes to avoid.
What is Endler’s Livebearer?
Endler’s Livebearer (Poecilia wingei) is a small freshwater fish species belonging to the family Poeciliidae. They are closely related to the common guppy (Poecilia reticulata) and share many characteristics. Unlike guppies, however, Endlers tend to remain smaller, exhibit unique color patterns, and are less commercially hybridized.
Discovered in the 1930s by Franklyn Bond and later re-discovered by John Endler in the 1970s in Venezuela, these fish quickly became favorites among aquarists due to their vibrant metallic colors and hardy nature.
They are livebearers, meaning females give birth to free-swimming fry rather than laying eggs. This makes them fascinating for aquarists interested in breeding fish at home.
Natural Habitat of Endler’s Livebearer
Endler’s Livebearers are native to Laguna de Patos in Venezuela, where they thrive in warm, slow-moving, and plant-rich waters. These environments are typically rich in algae, biofilm, and microorganisms, which form the basis of their diet. Because their natural habitat is dense with vegetation, Endlers feel most comfortable in heavily planted aquariums.
Physical Appearance
Endler’s Livebearers may be small, but they make up for it with striking colors and patterns.
- Size: Males grow up to 1 inch (2.5 cm), while females can reach around 1.5 inches (4 cm).
- Coloration: Males are brilliantly colored, often displaying metallic shades of orange, green, blue, and black with distinct patterns. Females, on the other hand, are less colorful and mostly silver or gray, but they grow slightly larger and bulkier.
- Fins: Males often have extended dorsal and tail fins with vibrant coloration, while females have shorter, plainer fins.
Their small size and iridescent patterns make them perfect for nano and community tanks.
Why Choose Endler’s Livebearer for Your Aquarium?
There are several reasons why hobbyists choose Endlers over other small tropical fish:
- Hardy and beginner-friendly – They adapt to a wide range of water conditions.
- Small size – Perfect for nano aquariums or smaller setups.
- Vibrant colors – Males display stunning metallic shades that brighten any tank.
- Peaceful nature – Ideal for community tanks with other small, non-aggressive species.
- Prolific breeders – Great for aquarists interested in fish breeding.
Tank Requirements for Endler’s Livebearer
Although Endlers are hardy, they thrive best in a properly set-up aquarium. Here are the essential tank conditions:
1. Tank Size
- A 10-gallon tank is sufficient for a small group.
- Larger tanks are recommended for breeding colonies or community setups.
2. Water Parameters
- Temperature: 72°F – 82°F (22°C – 28°C)
- pH: 6.5 – 8.0
- Hardness: 10 – 20 dGH
These fish are very adaptable but should be kept in stable water conditions.
3. Filtration
- Use a gentle filter like a sponge filter or hang-on-back filter.
- Avoid strong currents, as Endlers prefer calm waters.
4. Aquascaping
- Heavily planted aquariums mimic their natural environment.
- Plants like Java moss, hornwort, and water sprite provide cover and surfaces for algae and biofilm growth.
- Add driftwood and rocks for natural hiding spaces.
5. Lighting
- Moderate lighting enhances plant growth and highlights the metallic colors of the fish.
6. Substrate
- Sand or fine gravel works best.
- A dark substrate makes their colors stand out more vividly.
Tank Mates for Endler’s Livebearer
Endlers are peaceful and can coexist with other small, non-aggressive species. Good tank mates include:
- Neon Tetras
- Harlequin Rasboras
- Corydoras Catfish
- Cherry Shrimp
- Snails (Nerite, Mystery)
Avoid housing them with aggressive or large species like cichlids, barbs, or bettas that may harass or eat them.
Diet of Endler’s Livebearer
Endler’s Livebearers are omnivorous with a preference for plant matter and small live foods. In the wild, they feed on algae, microorganisms, and insect larvae. In aquariums, they thrive on a varied diet:
- Staple foods: High-quality flake food or micro pellets.
- Live/frozen foods: Daphnia, brine shrimp, mosquito larvae, bloodworms.
- Vegetables: Blanched spinach, zucchini, cucumber.
- Algae: Naturally occurring algae in the tank is a valuable food source.
Feed them small amounts twice a day to maintain good health and coloration.
Breeding Endler’s Livebearer
One of the most fascinating aspects of keeping Endlers is how easily they breed. They are prolific livebearers, and in the right conditions, a single pair can quickly populate a tank.
1. Courtship and Mating
Males constantly court females with displays of color and fin movements. They use a modified anal fin called a gonopodium to fertilize the female.
2. Pregnancy
- The gestation period is around 23–28 days.
- Females can store sperm, meaning they may produce multiple batches of fry without further mating.
3. Fry Birth
- A female can give birth to 10–30 fry at a time.
- Fry are free-swimming immediately and begin eating microfoods such as infusoria or crushed flakes.
4. Protecting the Fry
- Provide dense plants like Java moss to protect fry from being eaten by adults.
- Alternatively, move pregnant females to a breeding box or separate tank.
Varieties and Color Strains of Endler’s Livebearer
Over the years, selective breeding has produced several stunning color varieties. Some popular strains include:
- Black Bar Endlers – Featuring distinct black stripes with neon green and orange highlights.
- Tiger Endlers – Orange and black tiger-like patterns.
- Red Chest Endlers – Known for their bright red belly.
- Santa Maria Endlers – A hybrid strain with dark bodies and glowing orange-red bellies.
These varieties make Endlers highly desirable among aquarists and breeders.
Common Health Issues
Like other livebearers, Endler’s Livebearers are generally hardy but can still suffer from common aquarium diseases:
- Ich (White Spot Disease) – Small white spots on the body; caused by poor water conditions.
- Fin Rot – Ragged fins, usually due to bacterial infections.
- Velvet Disease – Dusty gold coating on the skin caused by parasites.
- Swim Bladder Disorder – Difficulty swimming, often linked to poor diet or overfeeding.
Maintaining clean water, providing a balanced diet, and quarantining new fish are the best preventive measures.
Tips for Keeping Endler’s Livebearer Healthy
- Perform weekly water changes (20–30%).
- Avoid overcrowding, as it can lead to stress and disease.
- Keep a balanced male-to-female ratio (1 male: 2–3 females) to prevent females from being over-harassed.
- Provide live plants for natural grazing and hiding spaces.
- Quarantine new arrivals to avoid introducing diseases.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Mixing with aggressive fish – Endlers are small and vulnerable to bullies.
- Overbreeding without a plan – They reproduce quickly; be prepared to manage fry.
- Ignoring water quality – Poor water conditions can stress and kill them.
- Feeding only flakes – A varied diet is crucial for health and coloration.
- Not differentiating between true Endlers and hybrids – Many fish sold as Endlers are guppy hybrids.
Conservation and Hybridization Concerns
Wild populations of Endler’s Livebearer are threatened due to habitat destruction and hybridization with guppies. For this reason, many aquarists aim to keep pure strains to preserve the species. Always buy from reputable breeders who maintain genuine Endler lines.
Conclusion
Endler’s Livebearer is a dazzling, peaceful, and hardy fish that brings life and beauty to aquariums of all sizes. Their vibrant colors, small size, and ease of care make them ideal for beginners, while their fascinating breeding habits appeal to seasoned hobbyists. By providing the right environment, balanced diet, and compatible tank mates, you can enjoy a thriving colony of these little jewels for years to come.
FAQs about Endler’s Livebearer
1. How big do Endler’s Livebearers get?
Males reach about 1 inch, while females grow up to 1.5 inches.
2. Can Endlers live with guppies?
Yes, they can coexist, but they may interbreed, leading to hybrid offspring.
3. How many Endlers should be kept together?
A group of at least 6 is recommended for social comfort and natural behavior.
4. Do Endler’s Livebearers need a heater?
Yes, in cooler climates, a heater is necessary to maintain temperatures between 72–82°F.
5. How often do Endlers give birth?
Females can give birth every 3–4 weeks, producing 10–30 fry per batch.
6. Can Endlers be kept in a bowl?
No, bowls are unsuitable. A minimum 10-gallon aquarium is required.
7. What is the lifespan of Endler’s Livebearer?
They live around 2–3 years with proper care.
8. Are Endler’s Livebearers aggressive?
No, they are peaceful and get along with most small community fish.
9. What do Endler fry eat?
They eat infusoria, crushed flakes, powdered fry food, and baby brine shrimp.
10. How can I tell if I have true Endlers or hybrids?
True Endlers are usually sold by reputable breeders who maintain pure lines, while pet store Endlers are often guppy hybrids.