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Japan Blue Endler
Poecilia wingei
Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii
Variety of Endler's Livebearer · Japan Blue
📍 Venezuela
Despite its name, this is a selectively developed Endler strain (not from Japan) prized for the intense, solid iridescent blue coloration covering much of the male's body flanks. It is one of the most visually striking Endler varieties and is popular for planted nano tanks; males stay under 1 inch and females are larger and plainer.
Care Guide
Diet
Japan Blue Endlers are omnivorous and thrive on high-quality micro pellets, small flake foods, and occasional live or frozen foods like brine shrimp and daphnia. Feed small amounts once daily, only what they can consume in 2-3 minutes. Supplement with blanched vegetables like spinach or zucchini occasionally for balanced nutrition.
Behavior
These are peaceful, active fish that spend most of their time in the upper water column, constantly foraging and displaying their brilliant blue coloration. Males are notably more colorful and smaller than females, and they exhibit mild courtship displays but are non-aggressive. They are social and should be kept in groups of at least 3 to reduce stress and encourage natural behavior.
Breeding
Japan Blue Endlers are livebearers that breed readily in captivity with minimal intervention, making them excellent for beginners interested in breeding. Females produce 5-20 fry every 4-6 weeks when kept with males; provide dense plants like Java Moss or Rotala for fry to hide and survive. Separate fry into a nursery tank or heavily planted main tank to prevent predation by adults.
Tank Mates
Peaceful algae eaters that occupy bottom zone and won't compete with or harm Endlers
Peaceful invertebrates with similar water parameters; fry may be at risk but adults coexist well
Harmless detritivores that help maintain water quality in nano tanks
Closely related Endler variety with identical care requirements and peaceful temperament
Compatible Endler strain with same size, behavior, and water needs
Small, peaceful tetra with similar temperature preferences and non-aggressive behavior
Common Diseases
Ich (White Spot Disease)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, lethargy, rubbing against objects
Raise temperature to 28-30°C, perform daily 25% water changes, use aquarium salt or ich medication; treat for 7-10 days
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fin edges, discoloration at fin bases, lethargy
Improve water quality with frequent water changes, remove decaying plants, use antibacterial medication if severe
Velvet Disease
Fine golden or rust-colored dust on body, rapid breathing, loss of appetite, scratching behavior
Reduce light exposure, raise temperature to 28°C, use copper-free medication; perform daily water changes
Dropsy
Bloated abdomen, scales standing out, lethargy, loss of appetite
Isolate affected fish, improve water quality, feed high-quality foods; prognosis is poor; euthanasia may be necessary
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Varieties
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Water it likes
- ph
- 7.0–8.5
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <20 ppm
- temperature
- 72–82°F (22–28°C)