Red Chest Endler Guppy: Complete Care Guide for Hobbyists -

Keeping guppies has always been a popular choice for aquarists worldwide, but in recent years, the Red Chest Endler Guppy has been gaining special attention. Known for its bright colors, small size, and active nature, this guppy variety has become a favorite among freshwater fish enthusiasts. If you are considering adding this vibrant fish to your tank, understanding its origin, appearance, care requirements, and breeding habits will help you succeed.

In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide to the Red Chest Endler Guppy, including its characteristics, aquarium setup, feeding, breeding, tank mates, and maintenance tips.

What is a Red Chest Endler Guppy?

The Red Chest Endler Guppy is a selectively bred strain of Endler’s Livebearer (Poecilia wingei). It gets its name from the striking red coloration on its chest area, which contrasts beautifully with its metallic body and colorful fins.

Unlike standard guppies, Endler guppies are smaller, more streamlined, and display vibrant neon-like colors. The Red Chest Endler Guppy combines the best of both worlds: the resilience of guppies and the unique beauty of Endlers.

Origin and History

Species: Poecilia wingei
Common Name: Red Chest Endler Guppy
Origin: Native Endler’s livebearers come from Laguna de Patos in Venezuela. The Red Chest variant is a selectively bred strain developed by aquarists to enhance color intensity.

Endlers were first discovered in the 1970s by Dr. John Endler. While the original wild population had limited distribution, hobbyists began developing new strains through selective breeding. Today, the Red Chest Endler Guppy is one of the most stunning and sought-after strains available.

Appearance and Coloration

The Red Chest Endler Guppy is known for its:

Bright Red Chest Patch – The defining feature, giving the fish its name.
Neon Metallic Body – Often green, blue, or gold iridescence.
Long Colorful Fins – Can show patterns of orange, yellow, or black.
Small Size – Typically 1–1.5 inches for males and 1.5–2 inches for females.

Males are more colorful and smaller, while females are larger with rounder bodies and subdued colors.

Why Choose Red Chest Endler Guppies?

Stunning Colors – Bright and eye-catching.
Hardy Fish – Tolerant of a wide range of water conditions.
Peaceful Nature – Great for community tanks.
Small Size – Perfect for nano tanks or planted aquariums.
Active Swimmers – Provide constant movement and life to the tank.

Tank Requirements for Red Chest Endler Guppy

Minimum Tank Size

10 gallons for a small group.
Larger tanks allow for bigger colonies and mixed communities.

Tank Shape

Long tanks are preferred as Endlers are active swimmers.

Substrate

Dark gravel or sand enhances their colors.

Plants and Decorations

Live plants like Java moss, Anubias, Guppy grass, and Hornwort provide shelter.
Floating plants reduce stress and diffuse lighting.
Caves or driftwood offer additional hiding places.

Water Parameters

Endler guppies thrive in stable, clean water.

Temperature: 72°F – 82°F (22°C – 28°C)
pH: 6.5 – 8.0
Hardness: 10 – 25 dGH
Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
Nitrate: < 20 ppm

They adapt well to different conditions, but stable parameters are crucial for health and color vibrancy.

Filtration and Aeration

Use a gentle sponge filter for nano tanks.
Canister or hang-on-back filters are suitable for larger aquariums.
Avoid strong currents, as Endlers prefer moderate flow.
Ensure proper aeration for oxygen-rich water.

Lighting

Moderate lighting works best.
Too much light without plants can stress fish.
If you keep a planted aquarium, use aquarium LED lighting that enhances their colors.

Diet and Feeding

The Red Chest Endler Guppy is an omnivore and thrives on a balanced diet.

Staple Foods:

High-quality guppy flakes or micro-pellets.

Protein Foods:

Live or frozen brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, and microworms.

Vegetable Foods:

Spirulina flakes.
Blanched spinach, zucchini, or cucumber.

Feeding Schedule

Feed 2–3 times daily in small portions.
Remove uneaten food to avoid water pollution.

Breeding Red Chest Endler Guppies

Like other livebearers, Endlers are prolific breeders.

Breeding Method: Livebearers give birth to free-swimming fry.
Gestation Period: 23–28 days.
Fry Count: 10–30 fry per brood (smaller than guppies).
Separation: Use breeding boxes or dense plants for fry survival.
Fry Diet: Crushed flakes, baby brine shrimp, or infusoria.

👉 If you don’t want your Endlers to overpopulate, keep males and females separate or introduce fry-eating tank mates.

Tank Mates for Red Chest Endler Guppies

They are peaceful and do well in community tanks.

Compatible Tank Mates:

Guppies
Mollies
Swordtails
Corydoras
Small Rasboras
Neon Tetras
Cherry Shrimp

Avoid Aggressive Fish:

Large Cichlids (Oscars, Jack Dempseys)
Bettas (some may nip fins)
Fin-nipping Barbs

Health and Disease Prevention

Like all fish, Endlers can be prone to diseases if water quality or diet is poor.

Common Issues:

Ich (White Spot Disease)
Fin Rot
Internal Parasites
Swim Bladder Disorders

Prevention:

Keep water clean.
Quarantine new fish before introducing.
Provide a varied, nutritious diet.

Maintenance Tips

Perform 20–30% water changes weekly.
Vacuum substrate to remove waste.
Clean filters monthly (without killing beneficial bacteria).
Trim plants regularly if you keep a planted tank.

Cost and Availability

Red Chest Endler Guppies are becoming increasingly available in the aquarium trade.
Price range: $4 – $8 per fish depending on strain and quality.
Often sold in pairs or groups to encourage breeding.

Pros and Cons of Red Chest Endler Guppies

Pros:

✔ Beautiful coloration
✔ Hardy and adaptable
✔ Easy to breed
✔ Peaceful and community-friendly
✔ Great for planted and nano tanks

Cons:

✘ Can overpopulate quickly
✘ Fry survival rate is high (may require population control)
✘ Small size makes them vulnerable to bigger fish

Advanced Aquascaping with Endlers

Endlers look amazing in well-designed aquariums. A Red Chest Endler Guppy tank can include:

Carpet Plants – Dwarf hairgrass, Monte Carlo.
Mid-ground Plants – Cryptocoryne, Staurogyne repens.
Background Plants – Vallisneria, Limnophila.
Floating Plants – Salvinia, Duckweed.

A planted setup not only enhances aesthetics but also provides fry hiding spots.

Conclusion

The Red Chest Endler Guppy is a stunning, hardy, and easy-to-care-for freshwater fish that suits both beginners and experienced aquarists. With their vibrant red chests, active swimming behavior, and peaceful temperament, they make an excellent addition to community or planted tanks.

By maintaining clean water, providing a balanced diet, and ensuring proper tank conditions, you can enjoy these beautiful fish for years. For those interested in breeding, their prolific nature ensures a rewarding experience.

If you want a fish that combines beauty, activity, and easy care, the Red Chest Endler Guppy is a perfect choice.

FAQs about Red Chest Endler Guppy

1. How big do Red Chest Endler Guppies get?
Males grow to about 1–1.5 inches, while females reach 1.5–2 inches.

2. Can Red Chest Endler Guppies live with regular guppies?
Yes, they can coexist peacefully and may even interbreed, producing hybrids.

3. How many Red Chest Endler Guppies should I keep?
Keep them in groups of at least 6 or more for active social behavior.

4. Do Endler Guppies need a heater?
Yes, they prefer tropical temperatures between 72–82°F.

5. Can Red Chest Endlers overpopulate a tank?
Yes, they breed rapidly. Consider separating males and females if you want population control.

6. Are Red Chest Endlers good for beginners?
Absolutely! They are hardy, colorful, and easy to care for, making them beginner-friendly.

7. What is the lifespan of Red Chest Endler Guppies?
They typically live 2–3 years with proper care.

8. Do Red Chest Endler Guppies eat their fry?
Yes, adults may eat fry. Providing plants or hiding spaces improves fry survival.