Blue Star Endler Guppy Guide | Breeding, Optimal Tank Setup and Where to Buy

Blue Star Endlers are typically small tropical fish, with males growing to about 1.5 inches in length and females growing to about 2 inches in length. They have a slender body shape and a long, flowing tail. Their coloration is what really sets them apart from other types of guppies. Males have a deep blue body with a bright orange belly and orange highlights on their fins. Females are typically less colorful than males, but they can still have a blue hue to their body and orange highlights on their fins. These freshwater fish are easy to care for and make a great addition to your community aquarium. In this article on the Blue Star Endler guppy guide we will discuss how to breed, optimal tank setup, and the best places to buy blue star endler guppies

What is a blue star endler guppy?

The Blue Star Endler (Poecilia wingei) is a type of guppy that is known for its vibrant blue coloration. It is a relatively new variety of guppy, having been first bred in the United States in the early 2000s.

Blue Star Endlers are relatively easy to care for and are a good choice for both beginner and experienced aquarists. They are a peaceful fish and can be kept with other peaceful fish, such as tetras, danios, and other small guppies. However, it is important to note that Blue Star Endlers are prolific breeders, so it is important to have a plan for dealing with any fry that may be produced.

Key characteristics of blue star Endler’s Livebearers guppies include:

• Size: blue star Endler’s are quite small, with males typically growing to around 0.8 to 1.2 inches (2 to 3 centimeters) in length, while females are slightly larger.
• Appearance: Males have a deep blue body with a bright orange belly and orange highlights on their fins. Females are typically less colorful than males, but they can still have a blue hue to their body and orange highlights on their fins.
• 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: Tank Bred – Endler’s Livebearers guppies are native to Venezuela, specifically in the Laguna de Patos and its surrounding waters. They prefer densely vegetated, slow-moving waters with plenty of hiding spots. Source – Wikipedia 
• Reproduction: Like common guppies, blue star 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: blue star 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.
• 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 Cobra Endler’s Livebearer Tiger Endler Guppy Endler’s Livebearer Guppy

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

Here’s a care guide for Blue Star 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 Blue Star 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:

1. Diet: Blue Star 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.
2. 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:

1. Quarantine: Always quarantine new fish before introducing them to your main tank to prevent the spread of diseases.
2. Water Quality: Maintain good water quality through regular water changes, proper filtration, and monitoring parameters like pH, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate.
3. Stress Reduction: Minimize stress by avoiding sudden water parameter changes, overcrowding, and aggressive tankmates.
4. 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 Blue Star 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: Blue Star Endler Guppies grow quickly, and within a few months, they will reach maturity and start breeding themselves.

Remember that proper care and attention to water quality are crucial for the health and success of your Blue StarEndler Guppies, especially when breeding. Regular observation and maintenance will help ensure a thriving and colorful community in your aquarium.

Best Places To Buy And Average Price

When it comes to buying Blue Star 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 Blue Star Endler Guppies. Visit your nearest LFS to see what they have available. Prices may vary, but you can typically find reasonably priced fish, with Blue Star 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 Blue Star 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 Blue Star 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 Blue Star 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.

The cost of Blue Star Endler Guppies can vary greatly depending on factors like the strain, quality, and rarity. While you may find some for as low as a few dollars each, unique or highly sought-after strains could cost more. Always do your research and consider the reputation of the seller, the health of the fish, and any shipping costs when making your purchase. Additionally, remember that setting up and maintaining a proper aquarium environment is equally important for the well-being of your fish.