Snake Chest Endler

Poecilia wingei

Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii

Variety of Endler's Livebearer · Snake Chest

📍 Venezuela

An Endler variety featuring a serpentine or wavy dark marking pattern on the chest and flank area of males, giving a snake-skin impression that sets it apart from spot- or bar-patterned strains. Males are small and colorful, suited for nano and planted tanks, and are a prolific, easy-to-breed livebearer like all Endlers.

Size1.2"

Min Tank5g

School3+

peaceful

Zonetop

Care Guide

Diet

Snake Chest Endlers are omnivorous and thrive on high-quality micro pellets, crushed flakes, and small frozen foods like brine shrimp and daphnia fed once daily in small portions. Supplement with vegetable matter such as blanched spinach or algae-based foods 2-3 times weekly to support long-term health and coloration.

Behavior

These peaceful, active fish occupy the top water column and are highly social, thriving in groups of 3 or more where males display vibrant colors and engage in courtship displays. They are prolific breeders and relatively hardy, making them ideal for planted nano tanks where they interact minimally with other peaceful species.

Breeding

Snake Chest Endlers breed readily in captivity with minimal intervention, as males continuously court females and produce live fry without parental care. Provide dense vegetation or breeding box to protect fry from predation; expect 5-20 fry per female every 3-4 weeks under stable conditions.

Tank Mates

Otocinclus

Peaceful algae eater that shares the same water parameters and nano tank requirements

excellent

Red Cherry Shrimp

Compatible with Endlers; may predate on fry but excellent for planted tanks

good

Ramshorn Snail

Peaceful detritivore that helps maintain water quality without competing for food

excellent

Orchid Endler

Closely related Endler variety with identical care requirements and peaceful temperament

excellent

Blue Star Endler

Compatible Endler strain; can interbreed, creating interesting color variations

excellent

Least Killifish

Similar size and peaceful nature; shares preference for top water column

good

Common Diseases

Ich (White Spot Disease)

Symptoms

White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, lethargy, rubbing against objects

Treatment

Raise temperature gradually to 28-30°C, perform daily 25% water changes, use aquarium salt (1 tsp per 5 gallons) or commercial ich treatment for 7-10 days

Fin Rot

Symptoms

Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, progressive fin loss

Treatment

Improve water quality with frequent partial water changes, remove uneaten food, treat with antibacterial medication if severe; ensure pH and temperature stability

Velvet Disease (Oodinium)

Symptoms

Fine gold or rust-colored dust on body, clamped fins, rapid breathing, lethargy

Treatment

Increase aeration, raise temperature to 28-30°C, perform daily water changes, use copper-free velvet treatment; quarantine affected fish if possible

Dropsy

Symptoms

Swollen abdomen, scales standing out (pinecone appearance), lethargy, loss of appetite

Treatment

Isolate fish immediately, perform frequent water changes, treat with antibacterial medication; dropsy is often fatal, so prevention through good water quality is critical