Orchid Endler

Poecilia wingei

Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii

Variety of Endler's Livebearer · Orchid

📍 Venezuela

An Endler variety noted for males displaying a delicate purple-violet to orchid-pink hue in their body patterning, often combined with metallic green or black accents. It is a relatively rare and highly sought-after variety in the Endler hobby, keeping the same small size and easy care requirements as other Endler strains.

Size1.2"

Min Tank5g

School3+

peaceful

Zonetop

Care Guide

Diet

Orchid 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 to support coloration and overall health.

Behavior

Orchid Endlers are peaceful, active swimmers that spend most of their time in the upper water column, darting between plants and décor. Males display vibrant purple-violet coloration and engage in courtship displays, though they are non-aggressive toward other fish. They are social fish that do best in small groups and may become stressed if kept alone.

Breeding

Breeding in captivity is relatively easy and occurs readily in established tanks with adequate plants and stable conditions. Females produce live fry continuously without requiring a separate breeding tank, though fry survival is higher with dense vegetation for cover. Expect 5-20 fry per month from a single female in optimal conditions.

Tank Mates

Red Cherry Shrimp

Similar water parameters and peaceful temperament; shrimp add biological diversity without competing for food

excellent

Otocinclus

Small, peaceful algae eaters that occupy the bottom zone and share identical water requirements

excellent

Neon Tetra

Peaceful schooling fish with compatible temperature and pH needs; may occasionally nip at fry if present

good

Amano Shrimp

Larger shrimp that are peaceful and help control algae; excellent tank mates for Endlers

excellent

Anubias Nana

Hardy plant that provides shelter and fry refuge without competing for nutrients

excellent

Java Moss

Dense moss growth offers ideal fry shelter and grazing surfaces for natural food supplementation

excellent

Common Diseases

Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)

Symptoms

White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, flashing against décor, lethargy

Treatment

Raise temperature gradually to 28-29°C, perform daily 25% water changes, use aquarium salt (1 tsp per 5 gallons) or ich medication; treat for 7-10 days

Fin Rot

Symptoms

Frayed or deteriorating fin edges, discoloration at fin margins, lethargy

Treatment

Improve water quality with frequent partial water changes, remove decaying plants, treat with antibacterial medication if severe; ensure temperature stays 24-26°C

Velvet Disease (Oodinium)

Symptoms

Fine golden or rust-colored dust on body, rapid breathing, clamped fins, scratching behavior

Treatment

Increase aeration, perform daily 30% water changes, use copper-free velvet treatment; raise temperature to 28°C to speed parasite lifecycle

Dropsy

Symptoms

Bloated abdomen, protruding scales, lethargy, loss of appetite

Treatment

Isolate affected fish, perform frequent water changes, feed high-quality foods sparingly; dropsy is often fatal, so focus on prevention through excellent water quality