Endler's Livebearer
Poecilia wingei
Also known as Endler's Guppy, Endler
Edited by Ivan F. · Reviewed
Beginner verdict
A tiny, neon-flecked livebearer that suits a small, planted tank better than a general community. Its small size makes it easy prey, so keep it alone or with other tiny, peaceful fish. It needs hard water, breeds readily, and looks wonderful under floating plants.
Care at a glance
- Min tank size
- 11 US gal
- Footprint
- 18 x 12 in
- Temperature
- 75–86 °F
- pH
- 7–8.5
- Hardness
- 15–35 dGH
- Swim zone
- Top
- Min group
- 3 fish
- Lifespan
- 2–5 years
Endler's Livebearer care mistakes to avoid
The mistakes beginners most often make with this species.
- Do not buy just one or two. Keep at least 3 fish so they feel secure.
- Keep it with very small fish only, because its size makes it easy prey.
- Check your water first. It needs hard, alkaline water to do well.
- Do not mix with fancy guppies if you want pure lines, because they will hybridize.
- Check your tank before you buy. Our sourced minimum is 11 US gallons.
Endler's Livebearer tank mates and swim zone
Top
Spends most of its time in this part of the tank.
Hemigrammus erythrozonus
Danio margaritatus
Puntius titteya
Hymenochirus boettgeri
Pristella maxillaris
Caridina multidentata
Danio rerio
Their temperature ranges barely overlap, so you will have little room for error.
Barbodes semifasciolatus
Endler's Livebearer is small and shy, and is easily outcompeted for food by Gold Barb.
Poecilia reticulata
Endler's Livebearer is small and shy, and is easily outcompeted for food by Fancy Guppy.
Poecilia sphenops
Endler's Livebearer is small and shy, and is easily outcompeted for food by Molly.
Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi
One needs much harder water than the other can tolerate.
Endler's Livebearer feeding and care
How to feed
- Feed crushed flakes and micro pellets.
- Add baby brine shrimp and algae-based foods for color and health.
- Feed small portions you can see finished within a couple of minutes, because overfeeding fouls the water fast.
Telling males from females
Males are smaller and far more colorful. Females are plainer and plumper, often pregnant.
Plants that suit it
Species facts
- Family
- Poeciliidae
- Native to
- Laguna de Patos, Venezuela
- Adult size
- 1 in (2.5 cm)
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Social needs
- Harem/Pairs
- Diet
- Omnivore
- Water flow
- Gentle
- Substrate
- Any
- Live plants
- Yes - Loves Plants
- Shrimp
- Adult Shrimp Only
- Fin nipping
- None
- Vulnerable to nippers
- No
- Breeding
- Easy Livebearer
Endler's Livebearer FAQ
What size tank do Endler's Livebearers need?
Our sourced minimum is 11 US gallons (41 liters), with a footprint of 45 x 30 cm. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.
How many Endler's Livebearers should I keep?
Keep at least 3 fish. Bigger groups usually look better and behave more confidently.
What can live with Endler's Livebearers?
Good matches on our list include Glowlight Tetra, Celestial Pearl Danio and Cherry Barb. Avoid Neon Tetra and Cardinal Tetra.
How long do Endler's Livebearers live?
Care guides report about 2–5 years. Stable water and a good diet make the biggest difference.
Are Endlers the same as guppies?
They are closely related and can interbreed, but Endlers are smaller and keep a wild, neon-flecked pattern rather than a big fancy tail.
Where to buy Endler's Livebearer
Stores that list it under the same scientific name as this page. We earn nothing from these links. We have not bought from them, so check each store's own terms.
We have not found a store that sells Endler's Livebearer under its scientific name yet. We add stores as we confirm them.
Live animals and plants travel by courier. Check the store's live-arrival guarantee, and only buy once your tank has cycled (see how to cycle a fish tank).
Some US states restrict certain species. Check our US state aquarium rules table and your state's own rules before you buy.
Complete the tank
The essentials for a small, gently filtered tank.
Tank size for this species
At least 11 US gallons (41 L), 45 x 30 cm footprint
Filter
Air-driven sponge filter
Gentle flow that small fish and long fins can handle, plus a safe home for good bacteria.
Aquarium Co-Op Coarse Sponge Filter (Small) US
Fluval AquaClear 20 Power Filter US
Tetra Brillant Filter Spain
Fluval AquaClear 20 Power Filter Spain
Why we chose these (Best Filter for a 10-Gallon Tank). Nobody here has used or tested them.
Heater
Adjustable heater, about 5 W per gallon: 25 W at 5 gallons, 50 W at 10
Keeps a small tank stable. Adjustable models let you set the temperature your species needs. Size up for a cold room.
Fluval T50 Fully Electronic Aquarium Heater US
Aqueon Pro Adjustable Heater 50 W US
Fluval T50 Fully Electronic Aquarium Heater Spain
Eheim Thermocontrol e 50 Heater Spain
Why we chose these (Best Heater for a 10-Gallon Aquarium). Nobody here has used or tested them.
Water Conditioner
Dechlorinator such as Seachem Prime
Tap water contains chlorine or chloramine that harms fish.
Seachem Prime US
Fritz Complete Water Conditioner US
API Betta Water Conditioner US
sera aquatan Spain
Tetra AquaSafe Spain
Maker's page · Sold at Kiwoko · Sold at Tiendanimal · Sold at zooplus.es
Why we chose these (Best Water Conditioner for Betta Fish). Nobody here has used or tested them.
Test Kit
Liquid kit such as API Freshwater Master
Tracks ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and pH while the tank cycles.
API Freshwater Master Test Kit US
API General & Carbonate Hardness Test Kit US
Maker's page · Sold at The Shrimp Farm · Sold at Bulk Reef Supply
sera aqua-test box (Cl) Spain
JBL PROAQUATEST COMBISET Plus NH4 Spain
Why we chose these (Best Test Kit for a Freshwater Aquarium). Nobody here has used or tested them.
Cycle the tank before adding animals. See our guide on how to cycle a fish tank.