Endler's Livebearer
Poecilia wingei
Minimum Tank
10 Gallons
Adult Size
1.5 inches
Temperature
75-86°F (24-30°C)
pH Range
7.0-8.5
Lifespan
3 years
School Size
6+ fish
About Endler's Livebearer
Endler's livebearer is a tiny, brilliantly colored fish originally discovered in a single lagoon near Cumana, Venezuela. Males are among the most vividly colored freshwater fish relative to their size, displaying electric combinations of neon green, orange, black, and metallic blue in intricate patterns that vary between individual fish. Pure Endler's strains are considered endangered in the wild, though they are widely bred in the hobby. They are closely related to guppies and will readily hybridize with them, which is why purists keep them in species-only tanks. Endler's are energetic, constantly active fish that dart around the tank displaying to females with rapid bursts of color.
Care Requirements
Tank Setup
- • Minimum 10-gallon tank required
- • Temperature: 75-86°F (24-30°C)
- • pH: 7.0 - 8.5
- • Category: Livebearer
Diet & Feeding
- • Diet type: Omnivore
- • Feed 1-2 times daily
- • Varied diet recommended
Tank Mate Compatibility
Compatible With
Avoid Keeping With
Care Tips
Expert Tips
Endler's livebearers are hardy and prolific, suitable for tanks as small as 10 gallons for a small colony. Keep them in groups with more females than males to reduce constant male attention. If you want to maintain pure Endler's genetics, do not house them with guppies, as they hybridize freely. They thrive in slightly hard, alkaline water at 72-82°F and appreciate some plant cover. Dense floating plants like Java moss provide essential cover for newborn fry. Feed quality micro-pellets and crushed flakes supplemented with frozen baby brine shrimp. They breed rapidly, so be prepared to manage population growth or find homes for surplus fish.
Quick Facts
38L
Min Tank (10gal)
4cm
Adult Size (1.5")
3yr
Lifespan
6+
Min School
Build Your Perfect Community Tank
Find compatible tankmates for your Endler's Livebearer
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Tank Mates for Endler's Livebearer
Species from our database with overlapping water parameters, compatible temperaments and a realistic shared tank size.
Molly
Poecilia sphenops
easy · 20+ gal
Ghost Shrimp
Palaemonetes paludosus
easy · 10+ gal
X-Ray Tetra
Pristella maxillaris
easy · 10+ gal
Blue Velvet Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi var.
easy · 5+ gal
Similar Care Level
Other easy-care species that suit a comparable setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tank does a Endler's Livebearer need?
A Endler's Livebearer needs a minimum tank size of 10 gallons (38 litres). They should be kept in schools of at least 6.
What water parameters does a Endler's Livebearer need?
Endler's Livebearer thrive in water between 75-86°F (24-30°C) with a pH of 7.0-8.5.
Are Endler's Livebearer easy to care for?
Endler's Livebearer are considered easy to care for. They are peaceful fish with a lifespan of about 3 years.
How big do Endler's Livebearer get and what do they eat?
Endler's Livebearer reach about 1.5 inches and are omnivores. Endler's livebearers are hardy and prolific, suitable for tanks as small as 10 gallons for a small colony. Keep them in groups with more females than males to reduce constant male attention. If you want to maintain pure Endler's genetics, do not house them with guppies, as they hybridize freely. They thrive in slightly hard, alkaline water at 72-82°F and appreciate some plant cover. Dense floating plants like Java moss provide essential cover for newborn fry. Feed quality micro-pellets and crushed flakes supplemented with frozen baby brine shrimp. They breed rapidly, so be prepared to manage population growth or find homes for surplus fish.