Species Profile
Species Library

Endler's Livebearer

Accuracy: Verified
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This profile has completed research review. Source-backed care information is shown below. Final publication checks are still pending.
Species profile

Endler's Livebearer

Poecilia wingei
Peaceful Easy care 60 L minimum aquarium 2.5–4.5 cm adult size Mid–top Minimum group: 6

About this species

General notes for hobby use.

Tiny, colourful livebearer. Breeds readily; good for nano hard-water tanks.

Water parameters

Suggested general range for long-term care.

Temperature 24–28 °C
pH 7.2–8.5
GH 12–25 dGH
KH Not yet documented
Flow preference Low–moderate
Data confidence Verified

Behaviour

General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.

Minimum group size Minimum group: 6
Tank zone Mid–top
Territory level None
Predation risk Tiny fry
Bioload factor 0.6
Active, social livebearer. Keep a female-biased group if males and females are mixed; males display persistently and females need refuge from courtship.

Compatibility flags

Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.

Fin nipper No
Plant safe Yes
Shrimp safe No / caution
Snail safe Yes
Cave breeder No
Digs substrate No
Jump risk Yes

Natural history & care

Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.

Lifespan Not yet documented
Diet type Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume 60 L
Minimum footprint 60 × 30 cm
Accepted scientific name Poecilia wingei
Alternative names Endler's Livebearer, Endler's Guppy
Native range
Coastal drainages of northeastern Venezuela, particularly the Campoma/Carúpano region.
Natural habitat
Shallow warm freshwater habitats with abundant marginal or aquatic vegetation. Use planted cover, open swimming room and gentle to moderate circulation.
Diet & feeding
Feed small high-quality flakes or micro-pellets with algae/plant content plus small frozen or live invertebrates.

Breeding & sexing

Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.

Sexing
Males are smaller, intensely coloured and possess a gonopodium; females are larger, plainer and deeper-bodied.
Breeding
Livebearer with internal fertilisation. Females produce free-swimming fry and can store sperm; dense plants greatly improve fry survival.