Endler Guppy Care: The Ultimate Guide (vs Common Guppy)

Endler’s livebearers (Poecilia wingei) are tiny, colorful freshwater fish from Venezuela. They look like guppies  but are a separate species. Males are smaller, more intensely colored, and much hardier than fancy guppies. They’re also less inbred — pure Endlers are tough, breed easily, and fit perfectly in small (nano) tanks.

Quick Comparison: Endler vs. Common Guppy

Quick Notes about Endlers

Description of Endlers. Gender difference

Endler’s livebearers male and female deferences

Endlers are tiny livebearers with dramatic sexual dimorphism.

• Males reach about 1-1.5 inches (2.5-3.8 cm). Their bodies are covered in metallic green, orange, red, and blue — so intense they look fluorescent. The tail is composed of two distinct fin lobes, smaller and more compact than a guppy’s tail.
• Females are larger, up to 1.5-2 inches (3.8-5 cm). They’re stouter, pale silver or gold, with no metallic color. You can’t confuse the sexes — males are neon jewels, females are subtle background fish.

Lifespan

With poor water quality or overfeeding, they rarely make it past 1 year. Good genetics + clean water = 2-3 years.

Endlers Behaviour

Endlers are active swimmers and good jumpers. They spend their day grazing on algae, exploring the tank, and staring at you through the glass.

They’re curious. They’ll investigate your hand during maintenance, nibble at your fingers, and inspect cleaning tools without fear. Unlike guppies, Endlers don’t spook easily.

Adult males are peaceful. Females can be territorial, so keep them in groups of 3 or more. They rarely show aggression toward each other — they prefer to shoal.

At night, they rest on the bottom. In community tanks with larger fish, they may stay near the surface after dark.

Feeding Endlers

Endlers are omnivorous, and they often consume algae, biofilm, small insects, and plant matter in their natural habitat. Hence, they will benefit hugely from a varied diet of plant and animal matter while in captivity.

Endlers are not picky eaters, they can be fed:

• frozen or live food,
• high-quality fish pellets,
• flake food,
• portions of vegetable matter.

Live foods include:

• brine shrimp,
• blood worms,
• grindal worms,
• tubifex worms,
• daphnia.

Regarding the plant diet, you can feed them blanched vegetables:

• spinach,
• kale,
• lettuce.

Additionally, there are a variety of commercially available fish foods to choose from, they are all rich in nutrients and specially formulated for aquarium fish.

Since this is a small species with tiny mouths, you may be required to grind the large flake foods into smaller pieces before feeding your Endlers, that way, they won’t have a hard time ingesting it

You can also read:

• How to Blanch Сucumbers and Zucchini for Shrimp, Snails and Fish the Right Way
• Indian Almond Leaves and Alder Cones in a Shrimp Tank.

Tank Requirements and Water Parameters

Tank size:

This is a very small fish species, hence, it can be housed even in the small tanks. However, if you plan on keeping a group of about 5 Endlers, a 10 gallon (40 L) tank is recommended.

Larger tanks would be required for housing more numbers of this fish, taking into consideration that they are prolific breeders.

Lid (critical): Endlers jump. Not occasionally — regularly. They’ll find gaps you didn’t know existed. Use a tight-fitting lid with no gaps. If you skip the lid, lower the water level 2-3 inches below the rim. Even then, don’t be surprised if you find one on the floor.

Note: Due to their increased activity levels and considering how quickly they reproduce, Endlers should not be kept in very small tanks. It will become too small very soon and you will have to upgrade it.

You can also read my article “Stocking a 5 Gallon Tank. Fish and Inverts.”.

Water Parameters:

Temperature: Endlers dwell in warmer waters in the wild, so this should be replicated in the tank. Maintain a water temperature range of 72 – 82 °F (22 – 28 °C) in a tank containing this fish species.

pH: Endlers are very hardy fish and can tolerate a wide range of water parameters. However, for optimal conditions, they will appreciate a neutral – slightly alkaline pH, value preferably between 7.0 – 8.0. Always monitor the water pH regularly with a testing kit and add a buffer to remedy low pH conditions.

Hardness: They prefer a tank that contains fairly hard – very hard water (12 – 20° GH). Endlers will survive in soft water, but long-term exposure weakens their immune system. Stick to hard water.

Lighting:

They require bright diffused aquarium lighting and a LED light fixture is ideal for this purpose. Use the timer to regulate light/dark periods daily.

Substrate:

Endlers tend to roam around the lower levels to observe things and also to search for tiny food particles or plant matter to consume.

It is best to use aquarium sand or smooth medium-sized gravel at the bottom of the tank. Avoid the usage of large coarse gravel that can scratch or cause injuries to their small bodies.

Filtration:

Personally, I would always recommend using sponge filters or matten filters for any small tank setup. These filters are cheap, easy to maintain and clean, provide a lot of surface to graze on, and absolutely safe for the Endlers’ fry.

However, for bigger tanks, sponge filters may not be good enough. In this case, you will need either hang on the back or canister filters.

Heater:

If there are temperature fluctuations in the place you live, it can be a good idea to have a thermostat heater. Thermostat heaters work by maintaining a set temperature. Once the temperature goes below a certain degree, it turns on.

Note: Keep in mind that warm water will be ideal for breeding.

Decorations:

A densely planted tank is best suited for keeping Endler’s livebearers. Be sure to cultivate lots of plants in the tank because this offers the fish ample places to hide especially in situations where they are kept with larger tank inhabitants.

Plants like Java fern, Java moss, Dwarf Hairgrass should be planted in the foreground and background, in addition to floating plants (like Guppy grass, Water sprite, Water Wisteria, Salvinia auricalata, Frogbit, etc.) to provide shade and shelter for fry.

Also, decors such as driftwood, caveworks, and hollow logs are essential because they complement the aesthetics of the aquarium, and also provide breeding ground and hiding spots thereby making the fish more comfortable.

Care and Maintenance

Endlers are nearly unproblematic and since they do not excrete much waste in the tank water, caring for them is a whole lot easier. Regardless of the little bioload, you still need to install a quality filter to provide enough filtration, thus keeping the water clean and maintaining good water quality.

Moreover, due to the tiny sizes of the fry, they are at risk of being sucked into the aquarium filter. This can be averted by taking the necessary action, you just have to cover the filter intake with a fine mesh.

Always be mindful of the plants’ growth, you are required to trim the overgrown shoots from time to time to halt excess growth in the tank. If there are floating plants present, then you should prune them as well.

Endlers are able to tolerate and thrive in a saltwater environment, in captivity they can be bred in freshwater or slightly brackish conditions. Hence, if you decide to breed them in a brackish tank, add 1 tablespoon of salt per 5 gallons and make sure that other inhabitants can handle the conditions.

Additionally, replace about 25% bi-weekly or 10% weekly to keep the water clean, though the need for this would be minimized if it is a species-only aquarium and the filter is running efficiently.

Mating Behavior

According to the study, Endler’s females do not show a preference for males of their own species, for higher levels of coloration, or for larger size in males.

Scientists believe that it is because in natural waters in Endler habitats, the water is turbid, thus challenging the proposal of mate choice by sight.

In addition, compared to Fancy guppies, Endler’s males rarely display jumps and chasing behavior (a mating behavior) because females leave promptly if uninterested in the male’s advances.  

1. Endler’s male will attempt to become visible to the female in the face-to-face position.
2. Next, he turns both sides to the female, like the common guppy.
3. Finally, the male circles around the female and attempts to copulate with his forwardly turned gonopodium.
4. If the female accepts him, he positions himself under the female, while his color pattern darkens.

Breeding Endlers

Endlers are known to breed with no hassles. They belong to the group ‘Livebearers‘, and as the name suggests, the fish gives birth to live young offspring/fry once every 23-24 days rather than laying eggs.

Females can store sperm from previous matings for up to 6 months, allowing them to produce multiple broods without a male present.

How to Spot a Pregnant Female

• Gravid spot darkens: The area near the anal fin turns black or dark brown as fry develop. In early pregnancy it’s barely visible — by week 3 it’s obvious.
• Boxy belly shape: Pregnant females develop a squared-off, angular belly instead of the usual smooth curve. If she looks like she swallowed a marble, birth is 24-48 hours away.
• Size increase: Her abdomen swells noticeably. A non-pregnant female is sleek; a pregnant one looks disproportionately wide in the middle.

Behavioral changes:

• Hiding more: She’ll spend more time in plants or decorations, especially near the bottom.
• Less active: Swimming slows down in the final week.
• Appetite changes: Some eat more, others refuse food 12-24 hours before birth.

What to do: Don’t move her to a breeding box unless she’s being harassed. Stress causes miscarriage or death. Instead, ensure dense plant cover (Java moss, guppy grass, water sprite) so fry can hide immediately after birth.

If you want to save more fry, use a breeding net with fine mesh (not the plastic V-shaped traps — they stress females). Move her in 24 hours before expected birth, not earlier.

Red flags:

• She’s been “pregnant” for 35+ days with no birth → possible complication, monitor closely
• She’s lethargic and refusing food for 3+ days → check water parameters
• Dark gravid spot but no belly growth → she may have already given birth at night (check plants for fry)

Gestation

Gestation is 23-24 days at 78°F (26°C). Warmer water speeds it up to 21 days. Cooler water stretches it to 28 days.

Fry

Fry brood ranges from just 1 to about 20 fry, although this is dependent on several variables which include the age, health, and size of the female.

Note that a tank with warmer water temperature will result in more male fry while cooler temperatures favor the birth of more females.

The birth process can be too stressful for female Endlers, and some may die shortly after giving birth to offspring.

Endlers rarely eat their own fry, unlike guppies. However, other tankmates wouldn’t mind going after them to satisfy their cravings. Breeding in a heavily planted tank will aid the fry escape predators by giving them access to ample hiding spots.

Alternatively, they can be raised in a separate small tank until they attain mature sizes.

Endler fry exhibit rapid growth when fed a few times a day. Finely crushed flake foods, algae wafers, specially-prepared powder fry food, and baby brine shrimp are good food options for them.

The males reach breeding age and mature in about 3-5 weeks, it takes them a little longer to develop full-color depth and intensity. On the other hand, females are able to fully mature and produce fry broods after two months.

Having more males than females reduces fry survival — males harass females, causing stress and lower birth rates. More females = more fry.

Important: Bear in mind that Endlers will easily hybridize/crossbreed with the common guppy and dilute the gene pool. Therefore, they should not be kept in the same tank with guppies if the aim is to preserve the species and maintain pure strains.

See also:

• How to Feed Fish Fry in Aquariums

Endlers and Hybridized Strains

Endlers are classified to distinguish between pure and hybridized strains.

• N Class: Endlers that have not been subject to hybridization. N class Endlers are considered to be pure strains, having originated from the wild population in Venezuela.
• P Class: They have the traits of N Class Endlers but lack the documentation that proves their lineage.
• K Class: Referred to as hybrids. These are offspring produced from hybridization with guppies or other livebearers.

Important: Mixing different strains in the same tank will result in offspring with characteristics of both strains. On the contrary, if you want to keep the offspring’s traits pure, you need to use separate tanks for each strain.

Endlers and Suitable Tankmates

It makes a lot of sense if Endlers are kept together with tank mates that are relatively small, quiet, peaceful, and can share the same water parameters with them.

Ideally, Endlers are best maintained in a species-only aquarium due to their relatively small sizes. They are unsuitable for community tanks containing large species of fish and other animals.

Endlers are compatible with:

Fish

Chili Rasboras, Harlequin Rasboras, Neon tetras, Least Killifish, Clown Killifish, White Cloud Mountain Minnow, Celestial Pearl Danio, Zebra Danio, Sparkling Gourami, Platys, Corydoras catfish, Cherry barbs, Swordtails, Southern platyfish, Pygmy Cories, Otocinclus Catfish, Panda Garra, etc.

Dwarf shrimp:

If you are planning to keep Endlers with dwarf shrimp, you should understand the risks. In most cases, adult dwarf shrimp are safe. However, it cannot be said about shrimplets. They will definitely feed on them!

Even heavily planted tanks may not be enough for the baby shrimp to hide. Endlers are very inquisitive. They will look and dig into every corner of your tank, scaring the small shrimp out and then they feed on them.

Overall, it can be very hard to breed shrimp with Endlers. So, if you are serious about breeding shrimp, I would not recommend taking any risk. You simply cannot allow any fish in the shrimp tank!

Note: Be careful with Ghost shrimp, this species is a little bit more on the aggressive side. These shrimp will eat anything they can catch, including fish fry. The good news is that they are not great hunters and will not decimate the fry population.

Freshwater Snails

Endlers can share the same tank with any type of freshwater snails (for example, Japanese trapdoor snails, Ramshorn snails, Nerite snails, Malaysian Trumpet snails, Black Devil Snails, Asolene spixi, Rabbit Snails, etc.).

Avoid

Keep Endlers away from most types of crayfish and freshwater crabs. Even small African Dwarf Frogs can and will try to catch them whenever it is possible.

Bottom line

Endlers are one of the best starter fish. They’re hardy, breed easily, and fit in a 10-gallon tank.

The only real downside: pure strains are hard to find. Most “Endlers” sold commercially are guppy hybrids. If you want the real thing, buy from specialized breeders.

FAQ

Do Endlers jump out of tanks?

Yes. They’re active jumpers. Always use a tight-fitting lid. Even small gaps are enough for them to escape.

How many Endlers can I keep in a 10-gallon tank?

Start with 5-6. They breed fast, so within months you’ll have 20-30. Plan ahead.

Can Endlers live with cherry shrimp?

Adult cherry shrimp are safe. Shrimplets are food. If you want to breed shrimp, don’t keep Endlers with them.

Do Endlers need a heater?

Not strictly — they tolerate 68-82°F. But for breeding and best color, keep them at 76-78°F with a heater.

What’s the difference between Endlers and guppies?

Endlers (Poecilia wingei) are smaller, more intensely colored, and hardier than fancy guppies (Poecilia reticulata). They have a single hook on the gonopodium (males have multiple hooks). And they’re less inbred — pure Endlers are tougher.

How long are Endlers pregnant?

23-24 days at 78°F (26°C). Temperature controls the clock: warmer water = faster birth (21 days), cooler water = slower (up to 28 days). After birth, she can get pregnant again within hours if males are present.

Do Endlers eat their fry?

Rarely. Unlike common guppies, pure Endlers usually ignore their young. But they’re opportunistic — if fry swim directly into an adult’s mouth, they may get eaten. Heavy planting prevents this. Tankmates (other fish species) are a bigger threat than the parents.

Can Endlers live in room temperature without a heater?

Yes, if your room stays 68-72°F (20-22°C) year-round. They’re hardy and tolerate cooler temps better than guppies. But for breeding and best color intensity, keep them at 76-78°F with a heater. Cold water slows growth and reduces spawning.

How fast do Endler fry grow?

Males mature in 3-5 weeks and start showing color. Females mature in 2 months and can breed immediately. At optimal conditions (78°F, high-protein diet, clean water), they reach full size in 3-4 months. Feed fry 3-4 times daily with crushed flakes, baby brine shrimp, or powdered fry food for fastest growth.

References:

1. Ramsay, Chloe, “Mate Choice and Hybridization: Comparing the Endler’s Guppy (Poecilia wingei) and the Common Guppy (Poecilia reticulata)” (2014). Undergraduate Honors Theses. Paper 183.
2. Description of Poecilia (Acanthophacelus) wingei n. sp. from the Paría Peninsula, Venezuela, including notes on Acanthophacelus Eigenmann, 1907 and other subgenera of Poecilia Bloch and Schneider, 1801 (Teleostei, Cyprinodontiformes, Poeciliidae). Contributions to Zoology, 74 (1/2) 97-115 (2005) Odour preference in guppy (Poecilia wingei) males is influenced by the social environment. Behaviour (2016) DOI:10.1163/1568539X-00003387
3. Strategic exploitation of fluctuating asymmetry in male Endler’s guppy courtship displays is modulated by social environment. Evolutionary biology. doi: 10.1111/jeb.12567
4. The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.anbehav.2013.12.010
5. The Association Between Personality Traits, Morphological Traits and Alternative Mating Behaviour in Male Endler’s Guppies, Poecilia wingei. Ethology 122 (2016) 1–12
6. Allevamento sperimentale in laghetto artificiale di una linea selvatica di Poecilia wingei in via d’estinzione. 2007