The Endler’s Guppy is a small freshwater fish that’s peaceful, gets along well in community tanks, and is fun to watch swim around. But did you know this species isn’t purebred within the Guppy family? Keep reading to learn more about this colorful fish.
| Endler's Guppy Fish Species Overview | |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Poecilia Wingei |
| Size | 1 - 1.75 inches |
| Color | Varied, colorful |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Lifespan | 1 to 3 years |
| Environment | Freshwater |
| Tank Region | Middle to Top |
| Care Level | Beginner |
Where Does The Endler’s Guppy Come From?
Endlers Livebearer is the proper name of what people call Endler’s Guppy. While they resemble Guppies entirely, they are not 100% part of the Guppy (Poecilia Reticulata) family.
These Livebearers were first discovered in the early 1900s in northeastern Venezuela. They’re often found in lagoons within Campoma and Buena Vista.
For instance, in 1937, this species was discovered by Franklyn F. Bond. However, it wasn’t until 1975 that a man named John Endler rediscovered the species and began breeding them for the pet trade. Thus, giving this fish its name.
This fish species used to live in saltwater near a cutoff of the ocean. Then freshwater and rain filled the lagoons, turning them entirely freshwater. So, they’re freshwater fish but can thrive in saltwater under the right circumstances.
Also, these lagoons are often warm waters. Similar species prefer to live in cooler waters, but these Endlers do well in warmer climates.
Where Did The Name Come From?
You might wonder why the Endlers Livebearer is often called the Endler’s Guppy. One reason is that they look similar enough that they often get mistaken for Guppies.
Endler’s Guppies come from Endlers Livebearers fish and Guppies as a mixed species. However, they’re often grouped as one species because they can spawn together, look similar, and have similar needs.
Endler’s Guppy Appearance
Endlers Livebearers have distinct features about them. First, they’re colorful with block patterns on their scales. Often, they’ll have splotches of red, orange, green, black, yellow, and blue on their bodies.
In addition, they may sometimes have a black spot or black line on their upper body.
This fish species is one of the smaller types of Endlers. Males are smaller than females, only growing up to one inch long. On the other hand, females can grow to be between one inch and 1.75 inches long.
Caring For The Endler’s Guppy
Endler’s Guppy care is relatively easy once you know their needs. They’re hardy aquarium fish and excellent for beginner fish keepers.
Fish Tank Setup
The aquarium setup for this fish needs everything other freshwater fish need. However, how those supplies are utilized will vary. The chart below shows the proper fish care guide for this species.
| Endler's Guppy Aquarium Setup | |
|---|---|
| Minimum Aquarium Size | 10 gallons |
| Compatibility | Schooling |
| Temperature | 68°F to 82°F |
| Lighting | Any |
| Substrate | Fine gravel, sand |
| Decor | Rocks, hiding spots, plants (live and artificial) |
| Water Flow | Low to Medium |
| pH Range | 6.5 to 8.0 |
| Water Hardiness | 1 to 12 dKH |
| Brackish | Yes |
The good news about Endler’s Guppy is that they’re hardy fish. They can survive well in brackish water since they originated in saltwater.
A small amount of aquarium salt is okay for this fish as long as they’re in a freshwater aquarium with other species that can handle a bit of salt. Otherwise, they’ll do fine without any salt.
Since this species is peaceful, they’ll enjoy a community tank with other peaceful fish. However, they won’t do well with aggressive tank mates.
Some tank mates that will be suitable for the Endlers fish can include the following:
- Cory Catfish
- Danios
- Tetras
Endler’s Guppies are also schooling fish. You’ll want to have at least three together at all times, but six or more is ideal.
Even though they’re so small, them being a school community is why you need a tank that’s at least ten gallons. However, the bigger, the better. Ten gallons will be a tight fit if you plan on having six Endlers with tank mates.
Having a tank size that’s at least 20 gallons is ideal. You’ll be able to add more fish and have more room for decor.
Regarding decor, this species isn’t picky. Instead, they enjoy plants (live or fake) along with hiding spots such as caves or rocks to rest upon.
In addition, they do well with any substrate, but fine sand or gravel seems to be the better option.
You can have LED or fluorescent lighting on during the day for about ten to 12 hours. Then, you can turn the lighting off at night or have blue lighting for a night effect.
They’ll also need a heater and thermometer since they prefer warmer temperatures. For example, they can do well with a temperature of 68° F to 82° F but will do best with temperatures within the mid-to high-70s.
Other water parameters include pH levels. Endler’s Guppies prefer higher pH levels, but you’ll want to aim for a neutral level, especially if they live with other freshwater species.
Finally, they’ll need a filter. You can use a power filter, under gravel filter, sponge filter, canister filter, or any type you can find.
As long as the filter properly keeps the water clean, it should be fine. Sponge filters are great because they keep oxygen flowing through the tank and the water flow to a minimum, which is what Endler’s Guppies prefer.
Feeding
This species will do well with fish food such as flakes or sinking pellets. However, keep in mind that they are omnivores.
You can also provide them with frozen live foods, such as baby brine shrimp or daphnia.
Health
The Endler Guppy is a relatively healthy species. However, they are prone to getting some common fish diseases.
For example, your Endler fish may get the following:
- Fin Rot
- Ich
- Tail Rot
Luckily, you should be able to find medication and water treatment at your local pet store in the fish aisle.
Sometimes, you can heal your Endler Livebearer by testing the water and ensuring all the levels are correct. If they’re not, then you can make the necessary changes.
This fish has an average lifespan of about one to three years with proper care.
Breeding Endler’s Guppies
As the name suggests, Endlers Livebearers are livebearers. They mean they give live birth and do not lay eggs.
It’s not difficult to breed this species. If you have a female Endler in the same tank as a male, they will reproduce independently.
If you find fry in your tank, you’ll want a breeding box or net. Otherwise, the parents (and other tank mates) will eat the fry.
Females can have up to 30 babies every three weeks, though the average is typically between ten and 20 fry. So unless you have a large tank, you’ll need to make sure you have a separate tank.
Otherwise, with all the fry, your aquarium will quickly become overcrowded, harming the other fish and making them sick.
If you do not want to breed your Endlers, only add males or all females to your tank.
It’s easy to tell a male from a female Endler. Males are smaller and more colorful, while females are larger and have a green or bronze hue.
Question Corner: FAQs About The Endler’s Guppy
Endler’s Guppies are a great addition to your freshwater aquarium. If you want to learn more about them, read through the frequently asked questions answered below.
Where Can You Get An Endler’s Guppy?
You should be able to buy Endlers Livebearers at your local pet store. Alternatively, breeders may have Endlers Livebearers for sale.
What’s The Average Cost Of The Endler’s Guppy?
The average Endler Guppy price is about $5. However, if you go through a breeder, they may have rarer colors available. Therefore, you might spend up to $130.
Are Endler’s Guppies Hardy Fish?
Yes, this fish species is hardy and can thrive well in many environments. However, they can get sick like any other species, so you must ensure the water parameters and their tank mates suit them.
Are Endler’s Guppies Good For Beginners?
Since Endler’s Guppies are hardy, they’re an excellent choice for beginner fish keepers. They’re easy to care for and can do well in many environments.
Are Endler’s Guppies Freshwater Or Saltwater Fish?
Originally saltwater fish, this species is now a freshwater fish. However, if the water parameters are correct, they can survive well in saltwater tanks (or freshwater with a teaspoon of aquarium salt).
Should You Add An Endler’s Guppy To Your Tank?
If you have a smaller tank setup and want to add small, colorful fish, then the Endlers Livebearer is an excellent choice.
Rachel Poli is a content writer and author, but her real job is being a stay-at-home pet mom. Her zoo currently consists of a dog, a cat, two turtles, and two fish tanks. She’s also an avid pet sitter for a few local families, caring for various animals.
After realizing how little information there is for pet sitters on the internet, Rachel decided to start her own animal website. She strives to educate pet parents and pet sitters about the overall care of our furry friends.