Scientific Name : Poecilia wingei
Common Names : Endler (Endler's Guppy)
Origin : Venezuela (South America)
Size : .5" - 1.5"
Tank Size : 5 gallons or larger.
These will do well in a pond if the temperature requirements are met.
pH : 6.0 - 8.0 Extremes should be avoided, though this species is highly adaptable.
Temperature : 64F - 84F ... Ideally 75F - 81F
Water Hardness : KH 10 - 30
- Note: This is a very hardy, adaptable fish. However, sudden extreme changes in water parameters should be avoided.
Lifespan : 1 - 3 years
Temperament: Peaceful.
Feeding: Flake, Live, Frozen. They are not picky eaters.
GENERAL INFORMATION:
Enders are and attractive fish that are about as easy to care for as Guppies. Males have several natural color variations, and generally include green, orange/red, and black. Male Endlers commonly have sword tails or lyre tails which are orange. The most common variation is often referred to as the 'Black Bar Endler' Some other variations include 'Peacock' spots in the tail or on the body. Females generally have no distinct color or markings, other then the grey or olive colored body. Albino or 'Blonde' Endlers may be possible, but I believe these to be Hybrids. (Picture in the Hybrids Section)
Their small size does allow them to be kept in smaller aquariums, though I recommend one per gallon with a minimum of 5 gallons. Larger aquariums with space and hiding will be appreciated by your female Endlers, who are constantly chased by males in attempts to breed.
It is possible to keep a large amount of these in a realities small tank, though proper filtration and aeration will be a must!
Endlers are Live bearing fish and breed like rabbits so a Male only tank may be considered if a massive amount of offspring is undesired.
Male Endler - (photo by Craig Taylor)
Female Endler - (photo by Craig Taylor)
BREEDING:
Endlers will breed readily in almost any condition. However, higher temperatures increase breeding as well as the number of fry that are born. Endlers are Livebearers. Females will give live birth to as many as 50 fry.
Males will chase females around the tank and quickly 'tag' the female with his Gonopodium. Gravid females will grow in size and will give birth in 20-40. It is recommended to keep on male per 2-3 females to avoid females being chased to death. There really isn't much to it. as long as you have males and females, and your water parameters and temperature are good, you will have babies.
Fry take about 2-3 months before they start showing color (or not if female) and shortly after are sexually mature.
CLASSIFICATION:
Endlers have been separated into various classes based on genetics (or perceived genetics). This classification system is generally excepted amongst Endler breeders.
CLASS N: Any Endler's Livebearer (and progeny) that can be shown to have originated from their native waters in Venezuela will be considered a 'Class N' Endler.
CLASS P: Any fish of unknown origin but appearing to be an Endler's Livebearer based on the characteristics of size, shape and color will be considered a 'Class P' Endler.
CLASS K: The progeny of any Endler's Livebearer crossed with any other livebearer or any Hybrid strain will be considered a 'Class K' Endler.
HYBRIDIZATION:
While Hybridization of fish species is generally frowned upon, Endler hybrids tend to find a more excepting niche in the hobby. Most of the Hybrid 'flack' is due to the fact that Pure Endlers are often hard to find, and many hybrids look like Pure Endlers. Keep this in mind if Genetically Pure Endlers is what you seek.
Endlers hybrids are most often crossed with variations of Guppies (P. reticulata) but could possible be crossed with other Poecilia sp.
Endler/Guppy Hybrids are fertile, allowing the breeder to line breed hybrid traits into next generations. Most of the crosses are quite stunning, and careful selective breeding has mixed some of the best traits in both species.
Albino or Blonde variations have appeared but may be hybrids. These typically are missing some of the intense green and all of the black, which is replaced by a cream colored body.
Albino Male Endler Hybrid - (photo by Craig Taylor)
If the Hybridization of Endlers interests you, please be considerate and make others fully aware of the genetics of the fish, and cautions they should take with mixing them with other Poecilia sp. if you trade with other hobbyists.
A few my Hybrids - Poecilia wingei x Poecilia reticulata
(photos by Craig Taylor)
HISTORY:
Endlers were first discovered by Franklyn F. Bond in 1937, and rediscovered by Dr. John Endler in 1975 in Laguna de Patos in Venezuela. These fish are not on the endangered species list, though they are believed to be in danger of extinction in the wild, due to pollution.
NOTES FROM MY EXPERIENCES:
I received a small batch of these from a friend a while back. At that time I believed them to be genetically pure, but after a few generations of fry, it became obvious that they were not. At this point I experimented with Hybrids because that is what I apparently started with. Line breeding these requires several tanks to develop solid strains quickly, as well as selecting breeders for line improvement. Recently I gave my Hybrid colony to a friend for her pond while I made some changes in my fish room. Once I have constructed a small indoor Pond/Riparium, I will get some back. Culls will be used as feeders for other fish.
You can read my experiments with hybrids in many of my older posts.
