Endler's Livebearer

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Endemic to Venezuela (Laguna de Los Patos, Campoma and Cumana). A unique biotope formed by warm, hard, slightly brackish and greenish waters due to unicellular algae in suspension.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Endler's Livebearer / Class N Endler (Poecilia wingei). A dwarf jewel. Much smaller, slimmer and more aerodynamic than its guppy cousin. Microscopic males (barely 2 cm / 0.8 inches) without the bulk of large artificial tails.

Social Behavior: Pure frenzy. Unlike slow commercial guppies, the pure P. wingei darts at excessive speed stopping abruptly and restarting. They tenaciously explore every leaf in search of microorganisms.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Wild metallic spots. Males show the famous "Black Comma" (Peacock mark) on the flanks flanked by neon lime green, intense orange or light blue flashes depending on the capture strain (El Tigre, Campoma). Females are translucent olive-green, perfect for camouflage.

Aquarium Setup: Nano cube (30-40 cm / 12-16 inches) or monospecific breeding tank. A lot of natural vegetation (Mosses and Najas), but above all a lot of light to favor the growth of algae, their primary natural food. Weak filter flow.

Diet and Feeding: Micro-grazers. They spend 100% of their time nibbling soft algae and biofilm on woods. Provide newly hatched brine shrimp nauplii and crumbled vegetable-based micro-powders. Their mouths are too small for standard granules.

Water Quality: Rustic but mineral lovers. Being used to the dry coastal lagoons of Venezuela, they tolerate very high evaporation rates (very hard waters). A high KH and GH are vital. They do not tolerate Amazonian amber water (tannins).

Compatibility and Tankmates: The Class N (pure) Endler must NEVER be kept with Guppies to avoid the extinction of the pure strain through hybridization. They are also so small that any dwarf cichlid (Ramirezi) would eat them. Perfect with Neocaridina and small Corydoras hastatus.

Aquarium Reproduction: Peaceful self-sustaining. Females lay 5-15 fry every month. Wonderfully, true pure Endlers (unlike guppies) DO NOT practice cannibalism; the puppies will swim undisturbed next to their parents from the very first day.

Risks and Diseases: Extinction of the Species (Hybridization). In nature, the Cumana habitat is severely compromised by garbage. In the aquarium, the number one threat is not disease, but the irretrievable loss of the original genetics (Class N) if crossed with commercial guppies.