• Scientific Name:Poecilia wingei
• Synonym: Acanthophacelus wingei
• Common Name:Endler's Guppy, Endler's Livebearer
• Family:Poeciliinae
• Origin:Laguna de Patos, Venezuela
• Adult Size:1.5 inches (4 cm)
• Social:Peaceful schooling fish
• Lifespan:up to 5 years
• Tank Level:Top, Mid levels
• Minimum Tank Size:5 gallon
• Diet:Omnivore
• Breeding:Livebearing
• Care: Easy
• pH: 7.0 - 8.0
• Hardness:5-25 dGH
• Temperature: 75-86°F (24–30°C)

 

Origin/Distribution 

Given its common name to honor Dr. John Endler, this small livebearer was first discovered in Laguna de Patos by Franklyn F. Bond in 1937. However, it was not introduced into the aquarium trade, and was believed extinct until rediscovered in 1975 by Dr. Endler. Laguna de Patos is a lake that was separated from the ocean by a sandbar.  Initially this body of water was brackish but over time as rain and runoff reduced the salinity, the waters became fresh. At the time Dr. Endler rediscovered the lake, the water was quite warm and hard, but the most obvious change was that rampant algae growth that turned the water green. The site is now adjacent to a garbage dump, and it is uncertain if any Endlers Livebearer population survives in Laguna de Patos or not. Other sightings have occurred in the surrounding areas in recent years.

Considerable discussion and debate has taken place regarding whether Endlers are truly a distinct species, or merely a variation of the wild guppy.

Moleular data in recent years has indicated that Poecilia wingei is a separate taxon from Poecilia reticulata. Because this species hybridizes with other Guppys so readily, a classification system has been established, as follows:

• Class N: Any Endler's Livebearer (and progeny) that can be shown to have originated from their native waters in Venezuela
• Class K: The progeny of any Endler's Livebearer crossed with any other livebearer or any Hybrid strain
• Class P: Any fish of unknown origin but appearing to be an Endler's Livebearer based on the characteristics of size, shape and color

 

Description

 

Tankmates

Due to their small size Endlers are best suited for a species tank or a community aquarium of only small peaceful fish. Small Tetras, Otocinluss, Cories, and Rasboras are possible companions. Even peaceful fish can be a problem if they are not small.  Avoid other livebearing fish, particularly Guppies, as they will readily cross-breed with them. If breeding is desired, a species tank is recommended.

Habitat/Care

Endlers enjoy a tank that is heavily planted with live plants, with good lighting. If live plants are not possible, artificial plants will do. Water movement should be minimal, as they do not do well with a strong current. They spend a good deal of time in the upper regions of the tank, and are known jumpers, so make sure the tank has a well fitted cover. Water temperatures should be warm, particularly when breeding and rearing young. They are not demanding about water parameters, but prefer hard water that is neutral to alkaline in pH.

Diet

Endlers Livebearers are omnivorous fish that will accept a wide variety of food. In nature they feed on detritus and small organisms in the sediment. They require some vegetable matter in their diet, which should be in form that is easy for them to eat. Keep in mind that due to the small size of this fish, their mouth is likewise small, meaning they need smaller foods. Larger pellets are not suitable, or must be crushed before feeding. Freeze-dried foods are suitable, including bloodworms and brine shrimp. Frozen foods are also suitable, but as with other food items, must be small enough morsels for them to consume. Small live foods are great supplementary foods, when available. Endlers will graze on any algae they find in the tank, so just let it grow, and it will serve as a good food source.

Sexual Differences

Like other livebearing fish, male Endlers are smaller and more brilliantly colored than the females. Males have a variety of colors, including blue, green, orange, yellow, and black.  Females lack this bright coloration, and are generally a solid yellow green color, and are rounder in the belly than males. Males possess a modified anal fin, known as the gonopodium, that is used in reproduction.  

Breeding