By weeebooo70@gmail.com 
Guppies are among the most popular freshwater aquarium fish in the world, known for their dazzling colors, easy care, and playful behavior. Among the many varieties, the Black Endler Guppy stands out as a unique and captivating strain that combines the elegance of guppies with the hardiness of Endlers. Their striking black coloration, compact body size, and energetic swimming style make them a favorite choice for aquarists who want something exotic yet easy to care for.
In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about Black Endler Guppies — their origins, appearance, tank setup, feeding, breeding, compatibility, and common care tips. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced fish keeper, this article will help you understand why the Black Endler Guppy is a fantastic addition to your aquarium.
What is a Black Endler Guppy?
The Black Endler Guppy is a selectively bred variety of Endler’s Livebearer (Poecilia wingei), a close relative of the common guppy (Poecilia reticulata). Endlers are smaller and slimmer than regular guppies but share many similar traits such as live-bearing reproduction, peaceful temperament, and active swimming patterns.
The Black Endler Guppy is recognized for its predominantly black body coloration often accented with metallic green, blue, or purple highlights. This deep, velvety black shade makes them stand out dramatically against plants and lighter-colored fish in an aquarium.
Origin and History
Endler’s Livebearers were first discovered in the 1930s in Lake Valencia, Venezuela, by Franklyn F. Bond. Later, in the 1970s, Dr. John Endler rediscovered them, leading to their popularization in the aquarium hobby. Breeders began experimenting with selective breeding to create new strains, and the Black Endler Guppy emerged as one of the most striking variations.
Unlike wild-type Endlers, which typically display bright orange and green colors, the Black Endler Guppy was developed through crossbreeding and selective enhancement of melanin pigmentation. Today, it is considered a prized strain, especially among hobbyists who enjoy rare guppies and Endlers.
Physical Appearance
The Black Endler Guppy has a smaller, slimmer body compared to regular guppies, usually ranging from 1 to 1.5 inches in males and 1.5 to 2 inches in females. Their defining characteristic is the solid black coloration, which can sometimes extend across the entire body, including the fins.
Key Features:
- Body Color: Deep, solid black, sometimes with metallic green, purple, or blue sheen under aquarium lighting.
- Fins: Males often have elongated, colorful fins with a black base. Females tend to have more transparent fins.
- Size: Males are smaller (1–1.5 inches), while females are slightly larger (1.5–2 inches).
- Shape: Slender and streamlined, resembling wild Endlers more than standard guppies.
The contrast of their black coloration against vibrant aquascapes makes them a true showpiece in aquariums.
Black Endler Guppy vs. Regular Guppy
| Feature | Black Endler Guppy | Regular Guppy |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Smaller (1–2 inches) | Larger (up to 2.5 inches) |
| Body Shape | Slim, streamlined | Bulkier, fan-shaped |
| Coloration | Deep black, metallic sheen | Wide range of patterns and colors |
| Hardiness | Extremely hardy | Hardy, but slightly less adaptable |
| Breeding | Faster, smaller fry | Larger fry, slower growth |
| Rarity | Less common, more exotic | Very common and widely available |
Tank Setup for Black Endler Guppies
Like other guppies and Endlers, the Black Endler Guppy is relatively easy to care for, making them suitable for both beginners and experienced aquarists. However, to ensure their health and vibrant colors, providing the right tank conditions is essential.
Tank Size
- A 10-gallon tank is the minimum recommended size for a small group.
- Larger tanks (20–30 gallons) are ideal for breeding colonies.
Water Parameters
- Temperature: 72°F – 82°F (22°C – 28°C)
- pH: 6.8 – 7.8
- Hardness: 8 – 12 dGH
- Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
- Nitrate: < 20 ppm
Filtration and Aeration
- Use a sponge filter or hang-on-back filter to maintain good water quality without creating strong currents.
- Regular water changes (25–30% weekly) are essential for keeping nitrates low.
Aquascaping
- Add live plants such as Java moss, guppy grass, hornwort, and Anubias for hiding spots and oxygenation.
- Dark substrate enhances the contrast of their black coloration.
- Driftwood and rocks can be used for a more natural-looking setup.
Feeding Black Endler Guppies
The Black Endler Guppy is an omnivore with a hearty appetite. Providing a balanced diet is crucial for maintaining their health and enhancing their colors.
Diet Options:
- High-Quality Flakes: Special guppy or tropical fish flakes.
- Pellets: Micro pellets designed for small fish.
- Live Foods: Brine shrimp, daphnia, mosquito larvae.
- Frozen Foods: Bloodworms, tubifex worms, and mysis shrimp.
- Vegetables: Blanched spinach, zucchini, or spirulina flakes.
Feed them 2–3 times daily in small amounts they can consume within 2 minutes.
Breeding Black Endler Guppies
One of the most fascinating aspects of Black Endler Guppies is their prolific breeding behavior. Like guppies, they are livebearers, meaning they give birth to free-swimming fry instead of laying eggs.
Breeding Conditions
- Maintain water temperature around 78°F (25°C).
- Provide plenty of hiding spots with live plants.
- Keep a ratio of 1 male to 2–3 females to reduce stress.
Pregnancy and Fry Care
- Females give birth every 3–4 weeks, producing 15–30 fry per batch.
- Separate pregnant females into a breeding box or nursery tank.
- Fry should be fed infusoria, crushed flakes, or baby brine shrimp.
- To prevent cannibalism, provide dense plant cover or remove adults after birth.
Tank Mates for Black Endler Guppies
The Black Endler Guppy is peaceful and best kept with other small, non-aggressive fish.
Ideal Tank Mates:
- Other Endlers and Guppies
- Neon Tetras
- Corydoras Catfish
- Harlequin Rasboras
- Mollies and Platies
- Shrimp and Snails
Avoid Aggressive Species:
- Cichlids
- Barbs
- Bettas (can nip fins)
Common Health Issues
Black Endler Guppies are hardy, but they can suffer from common freshwater fish diseases if water conditions are poor.
- Ich (White Spot Disease): Small white spots on the body and fins.
- Fin Rot: Caused by poor water quality and bacterial infection.
- Swim Bladder Disorder: Affects buoyancy, often due to overfeeding.
- Fungal Infections: White cotton-like patches on the skin.
Prevention Tips:
- Keep water clean and stable.
- Quarantine new fish before adding them to the tank.
- Avoid overfeeding.
Why Choose Black Endler Guppies?
- Striking and unique coloration.
- Hardy and easy to care for.
- Small size makes them suitable for nano tanks.
- Peaceful nature, compatible with community setups.
- Active swimmers with fascinating behavior.
- Prolific breeders, great for beginners who want to try fish breeding.
FAQs About Black Endler Guppies
1. How big do Black Endler Guppies get?
Males grow up to 1.5 inches, while females can reach 2 inches.
2. Are Black Endler Guppies the same as regular guppies?
No, they are a separate species (Poecilia wingei) closely related to guppies but smaller and slimmer.
3. Do Black Endler Guppies need a heater?
Yes, they thrive in tropical temperatures between 72–82°F, so a heater is recommended in cooler climates.
4. How long do Black Endler Guppies live?
They live 2–3 years with proper care.
5. Are Black Endler Guppies aggressive?
No, they are peaceful fish and do well in community tanks with other non-aggressive species.
6. How often do Black Endler Guppies breed?
Females can give birth every 3–4 weeks, making them prolific breeders.
7. Can Black Endler Guppies live with shrimp?
Yes, they are shrimp-safe and can live peacefully with most freshwater shrimp species.
8. Do Black Endler Guppies eat plants?
No, they do not eat live plants, though they may nibble on algae.
9. How can I enhance their black coloration?
Provide a high-quality diet, dark substrate, and strong aquarium lighting to bring out their natural sheen.
10. Are Black Endler Guppies rare?
Yes, compared to regular guppies, they are less common and highly sought after by collectors.
Final Thoughts
The Black Endler Guppy is a stunning and hardy fish that combines beauty with ease of care. Their unique jet-black coloration, playful swimming style, and prolific breeding habits make them a perfect choice for both beginners and advanced aquarists. With the right care, tank conditions, and diet, these fish will thrive and bring elegance to any aquarium setup.
If you want a low-maintenance yet exotic fish that stands out in any tank, the Black Endler Guppy is an excellent choice.