Endler’s livebearer (Poecilia wingei)

Origin

Endler’s livebearer, also known as Poecilia wingei, can be traced back to Venezuela’s freshwater streams and swamps. The species is native to Venezuela’s Peninsula and Coroico regions, where it can still be found in its natural habitat today. Endler’s livebearer is thought to have evolved from the well-known guppy, Poecilia reticulata, and has been recognized as a distinct species since the late 1970s.

Appearance & Size

These fish are known for their eye-catching colors, which range from metallic greens and blues to bright reds and oranges. Males of the species are incredibly colorful, with long, flowing fins and an eye-catching appearance. Conversely, females are less bright but still attractive and distinct in their own right. 

Endler’s livebearer reaches a maximum length of 1.5 inches, making it a relatively small fish well-suited for smaller aquariums and fish tanks. Keep in mind that the size of Endler’s livebearer can vary depending on environmental factors such as water quality and diet, and it is always important to provide these fish with the proper conditions to ensure they reach their full potential in size.

Genders

Endler’s livebearer is a sexually dimorphic species, which means that males and females have distinct physical differences. The species’ males are distinguished by their bright and vibrant colors and long, flowing fins. They are typically more colorful than females, who are less colorful but still distinctive and attractive in their own right. Males are known to be more active and territorial than females, and they can be aggressive toward one another when in close quarters.

Behavior

Endler’s livebearer is a lively and active species known for its playful and energetic swimming behavior. These fish are generally active all day and enjoy swimming and exploring their tank environment. They are also hardy and simple to care for, making them popular among pet fish owners.

Tankmates

When choosing tankmates it is important to select species of a similar size and temperament. These fish are peaceful and get along well with other temperate fish species. 

Some good tankmates for Endler’s livebearer include:

• Neon tetras
• Guppies
• Platies
• Mollies
• Shrimp
• Snails

Tank conditions

The tank’s conditions play an important role in the health and well-being of Endler’s livebearer. These fish are tough and adaptable but need specific conditions to thrive. Endler’s livebearer prefers water temperatures ranging from 72 to 82°F and a pH of 7.0 to 7.5. They also need moderate water hardness, with a dGH range of 8-12.

A minimum of 5 gallons is recommended for a single pair of Endler’s livebearers, but a larger tank will provide more swimming space and reduce the potential for male aggression. Endler’s livebearer also necessitates adequate filtration to maintain water quality and keep the tank environment clean and healthy. 

Provide these fish with plenty of hiding places, vegetation, and a fine gravel or sand substrate. These elements improve the tank’s appearance and provide a natural, stress-free environment for the fish to live in.

Diet

Endler’s livebearer is not picky about food and will eat flakes, pellets, frozen food, and live food. It is recommended to feed them various foods and supplement their diet with live or frozen food to maintain a balanced diet.

These fish have relatively small mouths, so choose appropriate food to feed them. Give them small, frequent meals throughout the day instead of one or two large meals, which will help promote optimal health and growth.

Breeding

Endler’s livebearer breeding is simple and can be done in a home aquarium. These fish are livebearers, which means they give birth to live young rather than laying eggs.

It is recommended that a breeding tank separate from the main tank be set up to breed Endler’s livebearer. This breeding tank should have similar water conditions to the main tank and be large enough for the fish to move around freely.

Keep the breeding tank from becoming overcrowded and provide plenty of hiding places for female fish to seek refuge when giving birth. Female fish can find suitable hiding places in a well-planted aquarium or by using artificial plants.

When breeding Endler’s livebearer, a male-to-two or three-female ratio is recommended to ensure optimal breeding conditions. Males will actively pursue females, and courtship behavior can be observed.

Once the females are pregnant, they will give birth to live young in about 28-30 days. The young fish will be free swimming and should be fed with appropriate food items such as newly hatched brine shrimp or other small live foods.

Diseases

Like all aquatic species, Endler’s livebearer is susceptible to various diseases that can harm their health and well-being. Pet fish owners must know the common conditions affecting their fish and take preventative measures to reduce the risk of disease outbreaks in their aquariums.

Ich (white spot disease), fin rot, and velvet are some of the most common conditions affecting Endler’s livebearer. Ich is a parasitic infection that causes white spots on the skin and fins of fish. Fin rot is a bacterial infection that causes frayed and damaged fins in fish. Velvet is a parasitic infection that causes the fish’s body to develop a golden-brown dust-like coating.

Maintain good water quality and perform regular water changes in the aquarium to prevent disease outbreaks. Good hygiene practices, such as cleaning the aquarium and its equipment on a regular basis, can also aid in disease prevention.

If a fish does become sick, it is important to isolate it from the rest of the fish in the aquarium to prevent the disease from spreading. Treatment options for common fish diseases include medication, such as antibiotics, or aquarium salt to raise the salinity levels in the water.