Gold Endler’s Livebearer (Poecilia Wingei) Guide | Breeding, tank setup, Feeding and More

Gold Endler’s Livebearers are known for their vibrant colors and distinct patterns. They are often characterized by their bright yellow or gold body coloration with iridescent spots or stripes, although there can be some variation in appearance due to selective breeding. Like other livebearers, they give birth to live fry rather than laying eggs.

Among the many species of tropical fish that are the most popular in freshwater fish aquariums, two stand out for their small size, vivid colors, and ease of care – the Guppy (Poecilia reticulata) and its close relative, the Endler’s Guppy (Poecilia wingei). These small, colorful, and hardy fish belong to the Poeciliidae family and are kept for their peaceful disposition, making them a favorite for beginner fish keepers. In this introduction, we delve into the world of these livebearers, exploring their characteristics, their importance in fishkeeping, and the color they bring to aquariums worldwide.

What is a Gold Endler’s livebearer?

A Gold Endler’s Livebearer (Poecilia wingei), also known as the Endler’s Guppy or Endler’s Livebearer, is a small and colorful freshwater fish that is popular in the aquarium hobby. It is closely related to the common Guppy (Poecilia reticulata) and is native to the freshwater streams and rivers of Venezuela, specifically in the Laguna de Patos and surrounding areas.

Appearance and behavior

Appearance:
Gold Endler’s Livebearers are known for their striking and vibrant appearance, which varies depending on their specific strain and selective breeding. However, here are some general characteristics of their appearance:

1. Coloration: They typically have a bright yellow or gold body color, though some individuals may have shades of orange or orange-red. Their coloration often exhibits iridescent spots or stripes, and they may have unique patterns.
2. Fins: These fish have a large, triangular dorsal fin and an elongated anal fin. The caudal fin (tail fin) can be either rounded or somewhat forked, depending on the strain.
3. Size: Adult males generally reach a size of about 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5 to 3.8 cm), while females are slightly larger, often reaching 1.5 to 2 inches (3.8 to 5 cm).
4. Iridescent Patterns: Some strains exhibit shimmering, iridescent patterns on their body or fins, which can be quite stunning when viewed under the right lighting.

Behavior:
Gold Endler’s Livebearers have a fascinating and active behavior, making them an interesting addition to a community aquarium. Here are some aspects of their behavior:

1. Peaceful: They are generally peaceful and can be kept with other non-aggressive fish species in a community tank. However, avoid housing them with overly aggressive or fin-nipping fish.
2. Schooling: Gold Endler’s Livebearers are social fish and tend to be more comfortable when kept in small groups. They may shoal and swim together, especially when they feel secure in their environment.
3. Active Swimmers: These fish are active swimmers and will explore all levels of the aquarium, from the top to the bottom. They appreciate a well-planted tank with plenty of hiding places.
4. Reproduction: Males often engage in displays to court females, and they may show off their vibrant colors during these displays. The females give birth to live fry, which can add to the dynamic of your tank as the young are quite active.
5. Foraging: Gold Endler’s Livebearers are foragers and will search for food throughout the day. They will sift through the substrate and pick at plants and surfaces for small food particles.
6. Curious: They are known to be curious and may investigate new objects or changes in the tank. Provide them with plenty of hiding places and plants to explore.

Overall, Gold Endler’s Livebearers are a delightful addition to a well-maintained aquarium, and their vibrant colors and active behavior can make them a captivating species to observe and care for.

Compatibility

Gold Endler’s Livebearers (Poecilia wingei) are generally peaceful fish, making them compatible with a variety of other small, non-aggressive fish species in a community aquarium. However, there are some considerations to keep in mind when choosing tankmates to ensure a harmonious and stress-free environment. Here are some compatible tankmates for Gold Endler’s Livebearers:

1. Other Small Livebearers: Gold Endler’s Livebearers can be kept with other species of livebearing fish, such as guppies (Poecilia reticulata), platies (Xiphophorus maculatus), and mollies (Poecilia spp.). Be cautious about potential hybridization if you want to maintain pure strains.
2. Tetras: Many species of tetras, such as neon tetras (Paracheirodon innesi) and ember tetras (Hyphessobrycon amandae), are compatible due to their similar size and peaceful nature.
3. Rasboras: Small rasboras like the harlequin rasbora (Trigonostigma heteromorpha) and chili rasbora (Boraras brigittae) are peaceful and make good tankmates.
4. Small Corydoras Catfish: Corydoras species like the panda corydoras (Corydoras panda) are bottom-dwelling and won’t bother Gold Endler’s Livebearers.
5. Otocinclus Catfish: Otocinclus catfish are algae eaters and can help with aquarium maintenance without bothering the Endler’s.
6. Shrimp and Snails: Dwarf shrimp, such as cherry shrimp (Neocaridina davidi), and peaceful snails like nerite snails are generally safe tankmates for Endler’s Livebearers.
7. Small Gouramis: Some small, peaceful gouramis, like the sparkling gourami (Trichopsis pumila), can coexist peacefully in the same tank.
8. Non-Aggressive Danios: Small danios, like the celestial pearl danio (Danio margaritatus), can be kept with Gold Endler’s Livebearers.

Remember that the key to successful tankmate compatibility is to ensure that the fish you select have similar water parameter requirements (temperature, pH, hardness), are non-aggressive, and won’t prey on or harass the Endler’s Livebearers. It’s also advisable to monitor the behavior of the fish in your tank to identify any signs of aggression or stress, and be prepared to separate individuals if necessary. Additionally, providing plenty of hiding places and visual barriers through plants and decorations can help reduce potential conflicts and promote a harmonious community aquarium.

Lifespan

The lifespan of Gold Endler’s Livebearers (Poecilia wingei) can vary depending on factors such as water quality, diet, genetics, and the conditions of their environment. On average, these fish have a relatively short lifespan compared to some other aquarium fish species. Typically, you can expect Gold Endler’s Livebearers to live for about 2 to 3 years in captivity.

Proper care, including maintaining good water quality, providing a well-balanced diet, and ensuring a stress-free environment, can help extend their lifespan. Regular water changes and a stable, well-maintained aquarium setup are essential for their long-term health and well-being. It’s important to note that individual lifespans can vary, and some may live a bit shorter or longer than the average.

The Gold Endler’s Livebearer (Poecilia Wingei) Guide Breeding, tank setup, where to buy

Care Guide for Gold Endler’s Livebearers:

1. Tank Setup:

• Tank Size: A 10-gallon (38 liters) aquarium is suitable for a small group of Gold Endler’s Livebearers. A larger tank can house a larger population.
• Substrate: Use fine gravel or sand for the substrate, as they enjoy sifting through it.
• Plants: Provide live or artificial plants for hiding spots and to create a natural environment. Gold Endler’s Livebearers appreciate plants like Java Moss and Vallisneria.
• Filtration: Use a gentle filter to maintain water quality, but avoid strong currents.
• Lighting: They don’t have specific lighting requirements, so standard aquarium lighting is sufficient.

2. Water Parameters:

• Temperature: Maintain a temperature between 72-82°F (22-28°C).
• pH Level: Keep the pH around 6.5-8.0.
• Hardness: Water hardness can range from slightly soft to moderately hard.
• Water Changes: Regular water changes (around 20% every 1-2 weeks) help keep water quality stable.

3. Feeding:

• Gold Endler’s Livebearers are omnivorous. Offer a varied diet that includes high-quality flake or pellet food, as well as live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms.
• Supplement their diet with occasional vegetable matter, such as blanched spinach or spirulina flakes.
• Feed them 1-2 times a day, only what they can consume in a few minutes. Overfeeding can lead to water quality issues.

4. Breeding:

• Gold Endler’s Livebearers are prolific breeders and do not require any special breeding setup.
• Males are smaller and have colorful patterns, while females are slightly larger and plainer.
• Females give birth to live fry, and the fry are self-sufficient. Provide plenty of hiding places for the fry to avoid predation.
• If you want to selectively breed for specific color patterns, keep different strains separate.

5. Troubleshooting:

• Disease: Monitor for common fish diseases like ich (white spot disease) and treat as necessary. Quarantine new fish before introducing them to your main tank to prevent disease outbreaks.
• Water Quality: Regular water changes and maintaining good filtration are essential to prevent water quality issues.
• Aggression: Gold Endler’s Livebearers are generally peaceful, but keep an eye out for aggressive individuals. If aggression is a problem, consider adding more hiding places or removing the aggressive fish to a separate tank.

6. Tankmates:

• Gold Endler’s Livebearers are compatible with other peaceful community fish, such as tetras, rasboras, and small catfish.
• Avoid keeping them with aggressive or fin-nipping species.
• When housing with other livebearing fish, prevent hybridization by keeping different species separate.

Following these care guidelines should help you maintain a healthy and thriving population of Gold Endler’s Livebearers in your aquarium. Regular observation and adjustments to their care based on their specific needs will ensure their well-being and allow you to enjoy their vibrant colors and behavior. source Wikipedia