Endler’s livebearer

Poecilia wingei

Small males show metallic patches and often a clear central tail; females are plain.

Adult length: Up to 2.5 cm (standard length, without the tail fin)
Water temperature: 24–28 °C
Lifespan: 2–3 years
pH: 7.2–8.5
Hardness: 12–25 dGH

Natural habitat: Native to the Campoma and Buena Vista lagoons in Venezuela.

Trade Endlers may be guppy hybrids; verify lineage and breed separately when preserving strains. Keep at 24–28°C, pH 7.2–8.5 and dH 12–25.

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Appearance and identification

Compared with a fancy broad-tailed guppy, the Endler male has a smaller tail and conspicuous metallic flank patches; females are larger and plainer. Some wild guppies look very similar, and trade fish may be hybrids, so a clear tail area or colour patch does not guarantee a pure line.

Same-species behaviour

Females can be territorial and males pursue; keep two or three females per male with dense refuge. Reassess numbers and space as fry appear.

Space requirements

A 45 × 30 cm base. Plan around adults, swimming room and offspring.

Diet and feeding

Offer small omnivorous foods with a plant component.

Compatibility limits

Too small for a general community; small peaceful companions need checking for water conditions and behaviour. Guppies can produce fertile hybrids with Endlers, so breed provenance groups separately.

Aquarium environment

Dense planting and floating plants offer refuge and shade without assuring fry survival. Delicate fine-leaved plants may be nibbled; consider faster-growing plants and keep swimming space.

Sources

www.fishbase.se ↗ 2026-10-25

www.fishkeeper.co.uk ↗ 2026-10-22

www.seriouslyfish.com ↗ 2026-10-22

api.gbif.org ↗ 2026-10-22