Endler’s Livebearer Guppy (Poecilia wingei) – A Complete Care Guide

Latin Name: Poecilia wingei
Common Names: Endler’s Livebearer, Endler's Guppy

Endler’s Livebearer Guppy is a stunning, small freshwater fish that has become a favorite among aquarists due to its vibrant colors and ease of care. Although similar to the common guppy, Poecilia wingei is a distinct species and offers a more compact, colorful, and wild-like appearance. In this guide, we’ll delve into the natural habitat of Endler’s Livebearers, and how to properly care for them in an aquarium setting.

Endler’s Livebearers in the Wild

Endler’s Livebearer Guppies originate from the warm, tropical waters of northeastern Venezuela. Discovered in 1937 by Franklyn F. Bond and later brought to the attention of the aquarium community in the 1970s by John Endler, these fish are native to the Paria Peninsula, specifically in Laguna de Patos. This is a warm, shallow, slightly brackish lagoon, which provides the ideal conditions for these fish to thrive.

In the wild, Endler’s Livebearers live in dense plant cover, feeding on algae, small invertebrates, and organic matter. Their natural habitat often consists of warm waters that can range from 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 29°C). These conditions have influenced their behavior and biology, making them hardy fish that can adapt well to various environments.

Appearance and Behavior

Endler’s Guppies are known for their small size and radiant colors. Males are especially vibrant, sporting neon hues of orange, green, blue, and black in intricate patterns, while females are usually larger and more subdued in color, appearing silver or gray. They rarely grow larger than 1.5 inches (4 cm), making them perfect for nano tanks and smaller aquariums.

They are peaceful fish, known for their active swimming and curious nature. They prefer to explore the middle and upper regions of the tank. While they are social creatures, they do best in groups, which mimics their schooling behavior in the wild. Males are often seen displaying to one another, especially in the presence of females, but aggression is minimal.

Aquarium Care for Endler’s Livebearers

Endler’s Livebearers are incredibly hardy fish, making them an excellent choice for beginners and experienced aquarists alike. However, to keep them healthy and vibrant, it’s important to provide a stable environment that closely mimics their natural habitat.

Tank Setup

• Tank Size: While Endler’s Livebearers can thrive in small tanks, it’s best to provide at least a 10-gallon tank to allow them room to swim and explore.
• Water Temperature: Keep the temperature between 72°F and 82°F (22°C to 28°C), as they are tropical fish and prefer warm waters.
• Water Parameters: They are adaptable but thrive in slightly alkaline water with a pH between 7.0 and 8.0. Hardness should range from 10 to 25 dGH.
• Filtration: Use a gentle filter to keep water clean, as Endler’s prefer slow-moving currents. A sponge filter is ideal for these small fish.
• Aquascaping: Provide plenty of plants and hiding spots. Floating plants like water lettuce, as well as rooted plants like Java moss and Anubias, are great choices. The plants offer security and encourage natural behaviors, like foraging and exploring.

Feeding

Endler’s Livebearers are omnivorous and have simple dietary needs. In the wild, they feed on algae, small invertebrates, and organic detritus, so replicating a varied diet is key to their health.

• Staple Diet: Offer high-quality flake food or micro-pellets designed for small fish.
• Supplemental Food: Provide frozen or live foods like daphnia, brine shrimp, or bloodworms to add protein to their diet. Additionally, spirulina flakes or blanched vegetables, such as zucchini or spinach, can enhance their coloration.
• Feeding Frequency: Feed them once or twice a day in small amounts that they can consume within 2-3 minutes.

Tank Mates

Endler’s Livebearers are peaceful and social, so it’s important to select tank mates that share similar temperaments. Good options include other livebearers like guppies or mollies, small schooling fish such as neon tetras or harlequin rasboras, and peaceful bottom dwellers like Corydoras catfish or small shrimp.

Avoid large, aggressive species that may bully or eat them. If you’re keeping males and females together, be prepared for frequent breeding, as they are prolific livebearers.

Breeding Endler’s Livebearers

Endler’s Livebearers are livebearers, meaning the females give birth to free-swimming fry rather than laying eggs. Breeding them is quite easy and often occurs without any special effort from the aquarist.

• Breeding Conditions: They breed readily in community tanks, but if you want to maximize fry survival, a separate breeding tank with plenty of plants for fry to hide in is recommended.
• Gestation: The female will give birth to 5-30 fry every 23-24 days. Fry are born fully developed and can immediately start foraging for food.
• Fry Care: Provide powdered fry food or crushed flakes, as well as infusoria or baby brine shrimp for the fry. Ensure the fry have hiding places to avoid predation from adult fish.

Conclusion

Endler’s Livebearer Guppies are a colorful and dynamic species that can bring life and activity to any aquarium. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hobbyist, their hardy nature, ease of care, and active behavior make them an ideal addition to a community tank or a species-specific setup. By providing a well-planted tank, stable water conditions, and a varied diet, you’ll ensure that these beautiful fish thrive in your aquarium for years to come.