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Endler's Livebearer
Poecilia wingei
Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Poeciliidae
📍 Laguna de Patos, Venezuela
Endler's livebearers are related to guppies but smaller and with more intense, contrasting colouration. Males display striking neon patterns and are constantly active. They breed readily in captivity and make an excellent choice for nano planted tanks.
Care Guide
Diet
Endler's livebearers are omnivores that thrive on high-quality micro pellets and flake foods as their staple diet. Supplement 2-3 times weekly with small frozen foods like daphnia and live foods such as microworms or newly hatched brine shrimp to enhance coloration and breeding condition. Feed small amounts once daily, only what they can consume in 2-3 minutes.
Behavior
Males are highly active and display constantly, performing elaborate courtship displays with vibrant neon coloration and rapid movements. They are peaceful and social, preferring to be kept in groups of at least 3 males or in mixed-sex groups, though males may harass females persistently. They occupy the top and middle water column, constantly foraging and interacting with their environment.
Breeding
Endler's livebearers breed readily in captivity with minimal intervention, making them excellent for beginners interested in breeding. Females produce 5-20 live fry every 3-4 weeks when kept with males; provide dense plants like Java Moss or Rotala for fry to hide and survive. Fry grow quickly and reach maturity in 8-12 weeks under good conditions.
Tank Mates
Peaceful algae eater with identical water parameter requirements; occupies bottom zone without competing
Similar size, peaceful temperament, and compatible water conditions; occupies mid-water zone
Peaceful invertebrate that shares water parameters; may predate fry but safe with adults
Comparable size and peaceful nature; similar habitat preferences and breeding behavior
Larger shrimp that won't be harassed; excellent for planted tanks; shares water requirements
Peaceful dwarf cichlid but prefers slightly warmer temps; may eat fry if breeding occurs
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, flashing against objects, rapid breathing, lethargy
Raise temperature to 28-30°C, perform daily 25% water changes, use aquarium salt (1 tsp per 5 gallons) or ich medication; treat for 7-10 days
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fin edges, discoloration at fin margins, fin loss
Improve water quality with frequent partial water changes, reduce stocking density, use antibacterial medication if severe; ensure temperature stays 24-26°C
Velvet Disease (Oodinium)
Fine golden or rust-colored dust on body, rapid breathing, scratching behavior, lethargy
Increase aeration, raise temperature to 28-30°C, perform daily water changes, use copper-free velvet medication; quarantine affected fish
Constipation
Bloated abdomen, reduced feeding, lethargy, stringy feces
Offer finely crushed spirulina or blanched peas; perform 25% water change; fast for 1-2 days if severe; ensure varied diet with live foods
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Varieties
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Quick Facts
- diet
- Omnivore – micro pellets, flake, daphnia, spirulina
- lifespan
- 2–3 years
- max size
- 3.5 cm (1.4 in) males; 4.5 cm (1.8 in) females
- tank size
- 5 gallons minimum
- temperament
- Peaceful, active
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.5–8.5
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <20 ppm
- hardness
- 10–25 dGH
- temperature
- 72–82°F (22–28°C)