Blonde Endler’s Livebearer (poecilia wingei) Guide | Breeding, Tank Setup, Where to Buy

Blonde Endler’s Livebearers are characterized by their vibrant and striking coloration, which usually includes a bright yellow or golden body with various patterns of black markings on their fins and tails. They are known for their attractive appearance and are popular in the aquarium hobby.

Their natural habitat consists of warm, soft, and slightly acidic water. These fish are adapted to various microenvironments within their range, including areas with thick aquatic vegetation. In the wild, they feed on a diet of small invertebrates, algae, and other organic matter, typical of their omnivorous nature. In this Blonde Endler’s Livebearer (poecilia wingei) Guide we will cover how to breed, optimal tank setup and where to buy.

These fish are livebearers, which means they give birth to live young rather than laying eggs. They are relatively easy to care for and are suitable for beginner aquarists. They thrive in well-maintained, planted aquariums with stable water parameters. The males are typically smaller and more colorful than the females, and they exhibit elaborate courtship behaviors and displays to attract mates.

What is a blonde Endler’s Livebearer?

A Blonde Endler’s Livebearer, also known as a Blonde Guppy or simply an Endler’s Livebearer, is a small freshwater fish species that belongs to the Poeciliidae family. It is closely related to the common Guppy (Poecilia reticulata) and is named after John Endler, an American biologist who studied the ecology of these fish.

Key characteristics of Blonde Endler’s Livebearers guppies include:

• Coloration: As the name suggests, these fish are typically blonde, with a bright yellow or golden body color as their base. The yellow coloration can vary in intensity, with some individuals being more vibrant than others.
• Black Markings: They often feature black markings, spots, or stripes on their fins and tail. These markings can vary in pattern and intensity, giving each fish its unique look.
• Forked Tail: Endler’s Livebearers have a forked or fan-shaped tail fin, which adds to their aesthetic appeal.
• Small Size: These fish are small in size. Adult males typically grow to be around 1 inch (2.5 cm) in length, while females are slightly larger, reaching up to 1.5 inches (3.8 cm).
• Dimorphism: Males and females have noticeable differences in appearance. Males are usually more colorful and have more elaborate fin patterns, while females are larger and less colorful.
• Behavior: Endlers livebearer fish are generally peaceful fish and social, making them suitable for community aquariums. However, males can be territorial and may display some aggression towards one another.
• Habitat/Origin: Blonde Endler’s Livebearers (Poecilia wingei), like other Endler’s Livebearer variants, are native to Venezuela. Specifically, they are found in the northern and western regions of Venezuela, primarily in the drainage systems of small, slow-moving or still waters such as streams, creeks, and shallow ponds in the state of Delta Amacuro and the Gran Sabana region. Source – Wikipedia 
• Reproduction: Like common guppies, Blonde Endler’s Livebearers are livebearers, which means they give birth to live fry rather than laying eggs. They reproduce readily in the right conditions and can produce multiple batches of fry from a single mating.
• Care: Blonde Endler Guppy fish are relatively easy to care for and can thrive in a well-maintained aquarium with suitable water conditions, such as warm water (around 75-82°F or 24-28°C) and slightly alkaline pH levels. They also benefit from a planted tank with plenty of hiding spots.
• Diet: endler livebearer are omnivorous and accept a wide range of foods. Their diet should include high-quality flake or pellet food, supplemented with live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms.
• Lifespan: On average, Endlers guppies typically have a lifespan of 2 to 3 years in well-maintained aquariums.white peacock
• Tank Mates: neon tetras, cardinal tetras, or ember tetras, bronze corydoras or Panda Cory harlequin rasboras or chili rasboras cherry shrimp or amano shrimp, Green Moscow Guppy, Blue Hawaiian Moscow Guppy

The Blonde Endler’s Livebearers Care Breeding, Tank Setup and Where To Buy

Here’s a care guide for Blonde Endler Guppies, covering tank setup, feeding, disease prevention, and breeding:

Tank Setup:

1. Tank Size: A 10 to 20-gallon aquarium is suitable for a small group of Blonde Endler Guppies. Larger tanks provide more stable water conditions and allow for a larger population.
2. Filtration: Use a good-quality aquarium filter to maintain water quality. Guppies are sensitive to ammonia and nitrite, so regular water changes are essential.
3. Heating: Maintain a stable water temperature between 74°F to 82°F (23°C to 28°C) as Endler’s Guppies are tropical fish.
4. Decor: Provide plenty of plants (live or artificial) and hiding spots, as these fish like to explore and take shelter. Floating plants are appreciated because they provide cover and help diffuse light.
5. Substrate: Use a fine-grained substrate, like sand or fine gravel, as it’s easier on their delicate barbels.

Water parameters

• pH: Maintain a slightly alkaline pH level between 7.0 and 8.0 to ensure the well-being of your Endler’s Livebearers.
• Water Hardness: Aim for a general hardness (GH) level between 10 and 20 degrees, dGH. This range provides the necessary minerals for your fish.
• Temperature: Keep the water temperature stable between 75-82°F (24-28°C) to mimic their tropical habitat.
• Ammonia and Nitrites: Regularly test for ammonia and nitrite levels, aiming for undetectable levels. High levels can harm your fish.
• Nitrates: Keep nitrate levels below 40 ppm (parts per million) through regular water changes and proper filtration.
• Chlorine and Chloramine: Use a water conditioner to neutralize these chemicals in tap water, ensuring it’s safe for your fish.
• Water Movement: Maintain gentle water movement, as Endler’s Livebearers prefer calm to moderately flowing water.
• Water Quality: Regularly monitor water parameters and perform routine maintenance, including water changes, to keep your aquarium water clean and suitable for your fish.

Feeding:

• Diet: Blonde Endler Guppies are omnivorous. Feed them a balanced diet that includes high-quality flake or pellet food. Supplement their diet with live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms. Occasional offerings of blanched vegetables, like zucchini or spinach, can also be beneficial.
• Feed Regularly: Offer food in small portions 2-3 times a day. Ensure they consume their food within a few minutes to prevent overfeeding and water quality issues.

Disease Prevention and Troubleshooting:

• Quarantine: Always quarantine new fish before introducing them to your main tank to prevent the spread of diseases.
• Water Quality: Maintain good water quality through regular water changes, proper filtration, and monitoring parameters like pH, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate.
• Stress Reduction: Minimize stress by avoiding sudden water parameter changes, overcrowding, and aggressive tankmates.
• Disease Identification: Familiarize yourself with common fish diseases and their symptoms. Isolate and treat sick fish promptly to prevent disease spread.

Breeding:

1. Gender Separation: Male Blonde Endler Guppies are smaller and have a modified anal fin called a gonopodium. Females have a rounder, fan-shaped anal fin.
2. Breeding Tank: Consider setting up a separate breeding tank or providing plenty of hiding spots and dense vegetation in the main tank for fry to seek refuge.
3. Mating Behavior: Males display their striking colors and perform courtship dances to attract females. Once the female accepts, the male transfers sperm using his gonopodium.
4. Gestation: Female guppies are livebearers, and they give birth to live fry after a gestation period of about 21 to 30 days.
5. Fry Care: When the female gives birth, move her to a separate tank or provide plenty of hiding spots to protect the fry from being eaten by adults. Feed the fry with powdered or liquid fry food or crushed flakes until they are large enough to eat regular food.
6. Growth: Blonde Endler Guppies grow quickly, and within a few months, they will reach maturity and start breeding themselves.

Best Places To Buy And Average Price

When it comes to buying Blonde Endler Guppies or any other aquarium fish, you have a few options, both online and offline. The availability and pricing can vary depending on your location, the specific strain or variety you’re looking for, and the reputation of the seller. Here are some places to consider:

1. Local Aquarium Stores: Local fish stores (LFS) often have a selection of guppies, including Blonde Endler Guppies. Visit your nearest LFS to see what they have available. Prices may vary, but you can typically find reasonably priced fish, with Blonde Endler Guppies usually costing between $3 to $10 per fish, depending on the strain and quality.
2. Aquarium Clubs and Societies: Many areas have aquarium clubs or societies where hobbyists buy, sell, and trade fish. These clubs often host auctions or sales events, which can be a great place to find unique strains at reasonable prices.
3. Online Retailers: Several online retailers specialize in aquarium fish and ship them to your location. Websites like LiveAquaria, Aquatic Arts, and The Wet Spot Tropical Fish often have a variety of guppies available. Prices can vary widely, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $5 to $15 or more per Blonde Endler Guppy, depending on the strain and source.
4. Online Forums and Classifieds: Aquarium forums, social media groups, and classified ad websites may have hobbyists selling Blonde Endler Guppies. These can be a great way to find unique strains or specific breeders, but prices can vary widely.
5. Aquatic Auctions: Some online platforms, like Aquabid, host auctions for aquarium fish. You can bid on Blonde Endler Guppies from various sellers, and prices can range from a few dollars to more depending on the quality and demand.
6. Local Breeders: Look for local hobbyist breeders in your area. They might advertise on community bulletin boards, social media, or local classifieds. Buying from local breeders can be an excellent way to support fellow hobbyists and get healthy, locally bred fish.