Quick Stats
| Adult Size | 2.5 cm |
| Minimum Tank | 5 gal |
| Temperature | 22–28°C |
| pH Range | 7.0–8.5 |
| Hardness (GH) | 10–20 dGH |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Diet | Omnivore — micro pellets, flakes, algae wafers |
| Schooling | Keep males only, or 3:1 female:male ratio |
Tank Setup
The Endler's Livebearer (Poecilia wingei) requires a minimum tank size of 5 gal. For a species this size, a larger tank is always better — more water volume means more stable parameters and a healthier environment.
Water parameters should be maintained within the following ranges: temperature 22–28°C, pH 7.0–8.5, and hardness 10–20 dGH. These are relatively tolerant fish that adapt to a range of conditions.
Provide appropriate hiding places, a suitable substrate, and planted areas to match the natural behaviour of this species.
Tank Mates
Endler's Livebearer are peaceful fish. They work well in community tanks with similarly-sized peaceful species.
Compatible tank mates include: Neon Tetra, Pygmy Corydoras, Ember Tetra, Cherry Shrimp. Avoid housing with aggressive or much larger fish.
Schooling requirements: Keep males only, or 3:1 female:male ratio.
Diet & Feeding
Endler's Livebearer are Omnivore. Feed a varied diet to ensure optimal health and colouration.
Omnivore — micro pellets, flakes, algae wafers
Feed small amounts 1–2 times daily. Only provide what the fish can consume within 2–3 minutes to prevent overfeeding and water quality issues.
Common Health Issues
Like all aquarium fish, Endler's Livebearer can be susceptible to common diseases including ich (white spot disease), fin rot, and bacterial infections. This species is generally hardy and disease-resistant when kept in good conditions.
Prevention is always better than treatment. Maintain stable water parameters, avoid overfeeding, quarantine new fish before adding them to the main tank, and perform regular water changes. A regular maintenance routine will prevent most health issues.
If disease does occur, isolate affected fish in a quarantine tank and treat appropriately. Always research medication compatibility before use — some treatments are toxic to invertebrates and scaleless fish.
Breeding
Breeding Endler's Livebearer is possible in the home aquarium.
Provide appropriate breeding conditions — planted areas with fine-leaved plants. Condition breeding pairs with high-quality foods before attempting to spawn them.
Many Endler's Livebearer will breed readily without intervention. Be prepared to remove eggs or fry if you want to raise them — adult fish may eat their own young.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tank does a Endler's Livebearer need?
A Endler's Livebearer needs a minimum tank size of 5 gal. However, larger is always better — more water volume means more stable water parameters and healthier fish.
Are Endler's Livebearer easy to keep?
Endler's Livebearer are rated as Easy difficulty. Beginners can keep them successfully with proper research and a cycled tank.
What do Endler's Livebearer eat?
Endler's Livebearer are Omnivore. Feed a varied diet including micro pellets, flakes, algae wafers.
Can Endler's Livebearer live with other fish?
Endler's Livebearer are peaceful. Compatible tankmates include: Neon Tetra, Pygmy Corydoras, Ember Tetra, Cherry Shrimp. They work well in community tanks with similarly-sized peaceful fish.