Endlr Guppy | 1-2cms | Single

The Endler's Guppy (Poecilia wingei), often simply called Endler's Livebearer, is a small and colorful species of freshwater fish that is closely related to the common guppy (Poecilia reticulata). Known for its vibrant colors and patterns, Endler's guppies are a popular choice among aquarium enthusiasts, especially for smaller tanks and community setups. They are often bred for their stunning color variations and are prized for their hardiness and ease of care.
Key Characteristics of Endler's Guppy:
Size: Typically 1.5–2 inches (3.8–5 cm) in length.
Color: They display an array of bright colors, including shades of red, orange, green, blue, and yellow, often with iridescent or metallic hues. Males are typically more colorful than females.
Lifespan: 2–3 years with proper care.
Behavior: Peaceful and social, active swimmers, and best kept in groups.
Activity Level: Highly active and enjoy swimming throughout the tank.
Water Parameters for Endler's Guppy:
Temperature: 22–28°C (72–82°F), ideally around 25°C (77°F).
pH: 7.0–8.0, slightly alkaline water.
Hardness: 10–30 dGH.
Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons for a small group. Larger tanks are recommended for more fish or aquascaping.
Tank Setup:
Substrate: A soft, light-colored substrate is ideal, as it highlights their vibrant colors.
Plants: Live plants such as Java moss, Anubias, and floating plants provide cover and mimic their natural habitat.
Lighting: Moderate lighting helps show off their iridescent colors.
Water Flow: Gentle water flow is best for Endler’s guppies, as they prefer calmer waters.
Decor: Provide hiding spots with rocks, driftwood, and plants, as they appreciate having places to seek shelter.
Diet:
Endler's Guppies are omnivores and will thrive on a varied diet:
Staple Foods: High-quality flakes or micro-pellets for small tropical fish.
Protein Sources: Live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms.
Vegetable Matter: Blanched spinach, spirulina-based foods, or algae wafers.
Behavior and Tankmates:
Behavior: Endler's guppies are peaceful and social, typically living in groups. They are very active swimmers and enjoy exploring their tank.
Tankmates:
Compatible Species: Other small, peaceful fish such as neon tetras, Corydoras, and small rasboras.
Avoid: Aggressive species such as larger cichlids, predatory fish, or fin-nipping species like barbs.
Breeding Endler's Guppy:
Endler's guppies are livebearers, meaning they give birth to free-swimming fry instead of laying eggs.
Breeding Tank: A separate breeding tank with plants or fine-leaved plants will help provide cover for the fry.
Conditioning: Feed the breeding pair high-quality live or frozen foods to encourage reproduction.
Mating: Males court females by displaying their vibrant colors and performing a "tail dance."
Fry Care: After fertilization, the female will give birth to live fry. Remove the adults to prevent them from eating the fry.
Fry Diet: Feed the fry infusoria or liquid fry food until they are large enough to eat crushed flakes or small pellets.
Care Tips:
Group Size: Endler's guppies should be kept in groups of at least 3–5 to reduce stress and allow for natural schooling behavior.
Water Quality: Regular water changes are essential to maintain good water quality and health.
Compatibility: While peaceful, avoid overstocking with other species that might outcompete them for food or space.
Avoid Inbreeding: If you're breeding them, ensure there is genetic diversity to avoid health problems in offspring.
Why Choose Endler's Guppy?
Vibrant Colors: Endler's guppies come in a variety of stunning colors and patterns, making them an excellent choice for colorful aquariums.
Easy to Care For: Their hardy nature and adaptability make them a great choice for beginner aquarists.
Livebearers: They give birth to live young, which can be an exciting experience for those new to breeding.
Social and Active: Endler's guppies are very active and interact with each other, creating a lively atmosphere in the tank.
Conclusion:
Endler's Guppies are an excellent addition to any aquarium due to their beautiful colors, peaceful nature, and ease of care. Whether you're a beginner or experienced aquarist, their small size, hardy nature, and engaging behavior make them an ideal choice for community tanks. With the right care, they’ll thrive and add a burst of color to your aquarium.