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

Endler’s guppies, scientifically known as Poecilia wingei, are small, colorful, and hardy tropical fish. They are popular among fishkeepers for their colorful appearance and ease of care. These peaceful livebearers make a fantastic addition to any aquarium, adding a burst of color to the hobby.

In this Endler’s livebearer Guppy (Poecilia wingei) guide we will cover how to breed, optimal tank setup, and the best places to buy Endlers guppies.

What is a Endler’s Livebearer?

Endler’s guppy, also known as the Endler’s Livebearer or Endler’s Poecilia (Poecilia wingei) poecilia endler, poecilia wingei endler, is a small and colorful freshwater fish species that belongs to the Poeciliidae family. Endler’s guppies are closely related to the common guppy (Poecilia reticulata) but are a distinct tropical fish species with some differences in appearance and behavior.

Key characteristics of Endler’s guppies include:

• Size: They 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: Endler’s guppies are known for their vibrant and eye-catching colors. They come in a variety of patterns and color combinations, often displaying iridescent hues of green, red, blue, orange, and black.
• Behavior: Endlers livebearer fish are generally peaceful and social, making them suitable for community aquariums. However, males can be territorial and may display some aggression towards one another.
• Habitat/Origin: Endler’s 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.
• Reproduction: Like common guppies, Endler’s guppies 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: endler livebearer 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

Origin

Endler’s guppies (Poecilia wingei) are native to northeastern Venezuela, specifically in the region surrounding the Laguna de Patos. The Laguna de Patos is a small body of water in the state of Sucre in Venezuela. The natural habitat of Endler’s guppies consists of slow-moving, densely vegetated waters, such as streams, ponds, and small lagoons.

These guppies were discovered and named after Dr. John Endler, an ecologist, and researcher, who brought them to the attention of the scientific community. Endler’s guppies are closely related to the common guppy (Poecilia reticulata) but are considered a distinct species with unique coloration and characteristics. Due to their vibrant colors and interesting behavior, they have become popular in the aquarium hobby, and selective breeding has led to various stunning color strains and patterns.

Different Varieties and Color patterns

Endler’s guppies (Poecilia wingei) come in a wide range of varieties and color patterns, thanks to selective breeding efforts by enthusiasts. Some of the most popular Endler’s guppy varieties include:

1. Wild-Type Endler’s Guppy: These are the original wild-type Endler’s guppies with a more subdued coloration, typically featuring a greenish body with dark stripes.
2. Tiger Endler’s Guppy: Named for their striking tiger-like stripes, these guppies have bold, dark bands on a lighter background color.
3. Cobra Endler’s Guppy: These guppies have a unique pattern that resembles the hood of a cobra, with a dark, wide stripe running down their back and tail.
4. Panda Endler’s Guppy: The panda variety is characterized by black-and-white patterns on their bodies, similar to the coloration of a panda bear.
5. Peacock Endler’s Guppy: These guppies are known for their vibrant and iridescent colors, often displaying shades of blue, green, and red.
6. Blue Star Endler’s Guppy: As the name suggests, these guppies have a prominent blue spot on their tails, which is surrounded by other colors.
7. Flame Tail Endler’s Guppy: These guppies feature a brightly colored, flame-like tail that stands out from the rest of their body.
8. Green Lace Endler’s Guppy: Known for their intricate and delicate green lace-like patterns on their bodies.
9. Scarlet Endler’s Guppy: These guppies are named for their bright red coloration, often combined with other colors like black or green.
10. Full Red Endler’s Guppy: These guppies are predominantly red in color, making them quite striking in appearance.
11. Black Bar Endler’s Guppy: These guppies have a dark bar running across their bodies, creating a unique contrast with the rest of their coloration.
12. Swordtail Endler’s Guppy: Some Endler’s guppy varieties may exhibit a swordtail-like extension on the caudal fin, similar to that seen in swordtail fish.

Endler’s Guppy (Poecilia wingei) Guide – Breeding, Tank Setup, Where to Buy

Here’s a care guide for Endler’s guppies (Poecilia wingei), including tank setup, feeding, and common diseases:

Tank Setup:

Tank Size: Endler’s guppies are small fish, so a tank with a capacity of 10 to 20 gallons is suitable for a small group. The size of the tank should increase with the number of fish you plan to keep.

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: Keep the water temperature in the range of 75-82°F (24-28°C).
• pH Level: Aim for a slightly alkaline pH level around 7.0-8.5.
• Water Hardness: They can adapt to a range of water hardness, but a moderate hardness is generally recommended.

1. Filtration: A good-quality aquarium filter is essential to maintain water quality. Guppies are sensitive to poor water conditions, so regular filtration and water changes are crucial.
2. Substrate and Decor: Use a substrate like sand or fine gravel, as they may sift through it in search of food. Provide plenty of live or artificial plants to mimic their natural habitat, which offers hiding spots and grazing surfaces.
3. Lighting: Endler’s guppies don’t have specific lighting requirements. You can provide moderate lighting to encourage the growth of live plants in the tank.

Feeding:

Endler’s guppies are omnivorous and accept a variety of foods, including:

• High-quality commercial flake or pellet food designed for tropical fish.
• Live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms as occasional treats.
• They may also nibble on algae and biofilm in the aquarium.

Remember not to overfeed; offer only what the fish can consume in a few minutes to prevent water quality issues.

Diseases:

Common diseases that may affect Endler’s guppies include:

1. Ich (White Spot Disease): A parasitic infection that causes white cysts on the fish’s body and fins. Maintain good water quality, and treat with aquarium salt or a suitable medication if an outbreak occurs.
2. Fin Rot: Bacterial infection that leads to frayed or deteriorating fins. Maintain clean water conditions and treat with antibiotic medications if necessary.
3. Velvet: A parasitic infection that appears as a yellowish film on the skin and fins. Treat with copper-based medications or specific anti-parasitic treatments.
4. Dropsy: A symptom of various underlying issues, including bacterial infections or organ failure. Isolate affected fish, maintain water quality, and consider using antibiotic treatments.

Regularly monitor your guppies for signs of illness, and quarantine new fish before adding them to your main tank to prevent introducing diseases. Maintaining a clean and stable aquarium environment is one of the most effective ways to prevent common health issues in Endler’s guppies.

Breeding guide for endler’s guppies

Breeding Endler’s guppies (Poecilia wingei) is relatively straightforward, and they are known for their prolific breeding habits. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to breed Endler’s guppies:

1. Select Healthy Breeding Stock:

• Choose healthy adult males and females. You can usually tell the difference by the gonopodium (the modified anal fin used for mating) in males and the absence of this feature in females.

2. Setup Breeding Tank:

• Use a separate breeding tank, preferably a smaller one, to increase the chances of fry survival.
• Provide hiding spots in the form of live or artificial plants or spawning mops for the fry to seek shelter.

3. Water Conditions:

• Maintain the appropriate water parameters, as mentioned earlier, with a temperature of 75-82°F (24-28°C) and a slightly alkaline pH level (7.0-8.5).

4. Feed the Breeders:

• Ensure that the breeding stock is well-fed and in good condition. A varied diet of high-quality flakes, pellets, live, or frozen foods is ideal.

5. Introduce the Breeding Pair:

• Place one or more males with two or more females in the breeding tank. The ratio of males to females can vary, but it’s typically recommended to have more females than males to reduce stress on individual females.

6. Monitor Mating Behavior:

• Mating occurs when the male uses his gonopodium to transfer sperm into the female’s reproductive tract.
• Male guppies often display colorful courtship displays to attract females.

7. Observe Pregnant Females:

• Pregnant females will develop a gravid spot near their anal fin, which darkens as they approach giving birth.

8. Separate Pregnant Females:

• Once you notice a pregnant female with a darkened gravid spot, consider moving her to a separate nursery or birthing tank to protect the fry from potential predation by adult fish.

9. Fry Birth and Care:

• Endler’s guppies are livebearers, so the female will give birth to live fry.
• The fry are usually self-sufficient and can eat finely crushed flake food, powdered fry food, or newly hatched brine shrimp.
• Provide plenty of hiding spots and vegetation in the breeding tank for the fry to hide and graze.

10. Maintain Water Quality:

• Regularly test and maintain water quality to ensure the health of both adult fish and fry.
• Perform water changes as needed, but avoid large disturbances in the breeding tank.

Endler’s guppies are known for their high reproductive rate, so it’s not uncommon for a single pregnant female to give birth to numerous fry in each batch. Be prepared to manage the growing population and consider either raising the fry or finding homes for them as they mature.

Where to buy and the average price

Endler’s guppies are readily available in the aquarium trade, and you can purchase them from a variety of sources. Here are some common places where you can buy Endler’s guppies, along with average price ranges:

1. Local Fish Stores (LFS): Many brick-and-mortar aquarium shops carry Endler’s guppies. The price can vary depending on the specific strain, quality, and region, but they generally range from $3 to $10 per fish, with more exotic strains being at the higher end of this range.
2. Online Retailers: Numerous online aquarium retailers and breeders offer Endler’s guppies for sale. Prices can be competitive, and you may find a wider variety of strains and colors. Expect to pay between $2 to $15 or more per fish, depending on the strain and source.
3. Aquarium and Fish Clubs: Some hobbyist groups and local aquarium clubs may have members who breed and sell Endler’s guppies. Prices can be quite reasonable, and you may find hobbyists who specialize in specific strains.
4. Auctions and Classified Ads: Check online auction websites or classified ads on aquarium forums or social media groups. Prices can vary widely depending on the seller and the rarity of the strain.
5. Fish Shows and Expos: Attending local or regional fish shows and expos can be an excellent way to find high-quality Endler’s guppies. Prices at these events can vary, but you may have the chance to meet breeders and enthusiasts who are passionate about these fish.

Keep in mind that the price of Endler’s guppies can vary based on factors like the strain, the fish’s age, coloration, and the reputation of the breeder or seller. Rarer strains or those with unique color patterns may command higher prices.

Before purchasing, it’s a good idea to research the specific strain you’re interested in and compare prices from different sources to ensure you’re getting a fair deal. Also, be sure to buy from reputable sellers who provide healthy, well-cared-for fish to increase the chances of success in your aquarium.