Tiger Endler Guppies are named for their striking coloration, which typically includes vibrant orange and black stripes or spots along their bodies. these tropical fish are known for their small size, lively behavior, and ease of care, making them suitable for both beginner and experienced aquarists. These freshwater fish are known for their prolific breeding, and their small fry are usually easy to raise.
In this care guide on tiger endler guppy guide, we will cover how to breed, optimal tank setup and the best place to buy tiger endler guppies
What is Tiger Endler Guppy?
A Tiger Endler Guppy, also known as a Tiger Endler’s Livebearer (Poecilia wingei), is a small, colorful freshwater fish that is popular among aquarium enthusiasts. It is a member of the Poeciliidae family, which includes other livebearers like guppies and mollies. Tiger Endler Guppies are a selectively bred strain of Endler’s Livebearers, which are closely related to the common guppy (Poecilia reticulata).
Key characteristics of tiger endler 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: Tiger Endler Guppies typically have a bright and vibrant coloration. They often have a base color that is a combination of shades of orange, yellow, or green.
- 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: The Tiger Endler Guppy is a selectively bred variety of Endler’s Livebearers, and it exhibits distinctive color patterns and markings due to controlled breeding and selection by aquarium enthusiasts.
- Reproduction: Like common guppies, tiger endler 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: Tiger Endler Guppies 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: Tiger endlers 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
The Tiger Endler Guppy Guide Breeding, Optimal Tank Setup, and Best Places to Buy
Tank Setup:
- Tank Size: A 10-gallon aquarium is a suitable starting point for a small group of Tiger Endler Guppies, but larger tanks provide more stability and space for the fish.
- Filtration: Use a good-quality aquarium filter to maintain water quality. Guppies are sensitive to poor water conditions, so regular water changes (about 25% every 2 weeks) are essential.
- Substrate: You can use fine gravel or sand for the substrate. Live plants like Java moss and Vallisneria can provide hiding spots and help maintain water quality.
- Temperature: Maintain the water temperature within the range of 72-82°F (22-28°C).
- pH and Hardness: Tiger Endler Guppies are adaptable but prefer slightly alkaline water with a pH between 6.5 and 8. Water hardness should be moderate.
Feeding:
- Diet: Tiger Endler Guppies are omnivorous. Offer a varied diet that includes high-quality flakes, pellets, and freeze-dried or live foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms. Occasional vegetable-based foods can also be provided.
- Feeding Schedule: Feed small amounts multiple times a day. Guppies have small stomachs and frequent feeding helps prevent overeating and maintains water quality.
Disease Prevention:
- Quarantine: Always quarantine new fish before adding them to your main tank to prevent the introduction of diseases.
- Water Quality: Regular water changes and proper filtration are crucial for preventing diseases.
- Stress Reduction: Provide hiding places and maintain a stable, low-stress environment. Stress can make fish more susceptible to diseases.
- Disease Recognition: Learn to recognize common fish diseases such as Ich, fin rot, and velvet. If you notice any signs of illness, isolate and treat affected fish promptly.
Breeding:
Tiger Endler Guppies are prolific breeders, and breeding them is relatively straightforward:
- Separate Genders: Keep male and female guppies separate until you’re ready to breed. Males are typically more colorful and have a modified anal fin called the gonopodium.
- Introduce Males and Females: Place a few females with one or two males in the breeding tank. The females can store sperm, so a few males can fertilize multiple batches of fry.
- Provide Hiding Places: Use live or artificial plants, breeding traps, or floating plants to give the fry hiding spots.
- Fry Care: Once the females give birth, remove them to protect the fry from being eaten. Feed the fry with crushed flakes or special fry food until they’re large enough to eat regular food.
- Water Quality: Maintain pristine water quality in the breeding tank.
- Continue Breeding: Guppies reproduce frequently, so you’ll have multiple generations in your tank.
Remember that while breeding guppies is relatively easy, it can lead to overpopulation if not controlled. Ensure you have a plan for what to do with the offspring or enough space for them in your tanks.
best Places to buy and average price
The availability and prices of Tiger Endler Guppies can vary depending on your location and the sources you have access to. Here are some common places to find Tiger Endler Guppies and an approximate average price range as of my last knowledge update in January 2022:
- Local Aquarium Stores:
- Local fish stores often carry a variety of guppy strains, including Tiger Endler Guppies. Prices can vary, but you might find them for around $5 to $15 per fish, depending on the quality of the strain and the locality.
- Online Retailers:
- Many online aquarium retailers and breeders sell Tiger Endler Guppies. Prices can range from $5 to $20 or more per fish, depending on factors such as the quality of the strain, the seller’s reputation, and shipping costs.
- Aquarium Forums and Classifieds:
- You can often find hobbyists selling guppies on aquarium forums and classified ad websites. Prices may be more competitive, and you may find enthusiasts who are passionate about maintaining high-quality strains.
- Auctions and Fish Club Events:
- Some local aquarium clubs and events hold auctions where you can find unique guppy strains. Prices at these events can vary widely, and they depend on the specific breeders and the demand for particular strains.
- Breeder Direct:
- If you’re looking for high-quality, selectively bred Tiger Endler Guppies, you may consider buying directly from a breeder. Prices may be higher, but you’ll have a better chance of getting specific strains or colors you desire. Prices can range from $10 to $30 or more per fish, depending on the breeder and the quality.
It’s important to research and choose a reputable source when purchasing fish to ensure their health and quality. Additionally, keep in mind that prices can fluctuate over time and may have changed since my last knowledge update in early 2022. Always inquire about the health and lineage of the fish you intend to buy and be prepared to provide them with a well-maintained aquarium environment.