Endler Guppy Care: Complete Guide for Beginners

Learn about Endler Guppies and their aquarium requirements. As a beginner, you might be wondering how to take care of these beautiful fish properly. This complete guide will cover all the essentials you need to know about Endler Guppy care, making it a breeze to keep your new aquatic friends happy and healthy.

by Fabian

Updated: June 6, 2023 / 13 mins read

Fabian is the dedicated Chief Editor at Aquarium Nexus. From a young age, he was captivated by the vibrant world of aquatic life, leading him to accumulate over 20 years of experience in keeping and breeding various fish species. The fulfillment derived from the aquarium hobby has remained a constant throughout Fabian's life. As an expert in the field, he finds great pleasure in imparting his extensive knowledge and personal experiences to both seasoned aficionados and budding enthusiasts.

Endler Guppy Species Profile and Identification

Endler guppies, scientifically known as Poecilia wingei, are small, colorful, freshwater fish that are perfect for beginners because of their hardy nature and low-maintenance care requirements.

Native to northeastern Venezuela, these vibrant fish boast eye-catching patterns that make them stand out in an aquarium. To help you familiarize yourself with this wonderful species, we’ve compiled a list of key features:

• Size: Adult Endler guppies reach a maximum size of 1 to 1.5 inches, with males being smaller and more colorful than females. Females are larger and tend to have a more subdued coloration, typically displaying shades of silver or grey.
• Color and pattern: Males exhibit a variety of stunning colors, including metallic greens, blues, reds, oranges, and yellows. Their bodies are often covered in intricate, leopard-like spots, while their tails display an array of stripes, dots, and other geometric patterns.
• Lifespan: With proper care, Endler guppies can live for one to three years, on average.
• Behavior: These active and social fish often form loose schools and enjoy exploring different areas of the tank. Keep in mind that males are known for their relentless pursuit of females for mating, so it’s important to maintain a balanced male-to-female ratio (ideally 1 male to 2-3 females) to reduce stress.

To differentiate Endler guppies from common guppies (Poecilia reticulata), pay attention to their size and coloration.

As mentioned earlier, male Endler guppies are smaller and exhibit more vibrant colors and intricate patterns compared to their common guppy counterparts. By recognizing these differences, you can be confident in identifying and correctly caring for your Endler guppies.

Endler Guppy Supplies

To provide the best care for your Endler guppies, it’s essential to have the right supplies and equipment. Here’s a list of supplies you’ll need for your Endler guppy aquarium:

• Aquarium: Choose a high-quality, appropriately-sized tank for your Endler guppies. A 10-gallon tank is suitable for a small group of guppies.
• Filter: A good-quality aquarium filter is crucial for maintaining water quality and removing toxins from your guppy’s environment.
• Heater: Endler guppies prefer warmer water, so a reliable and adjustable aquarium heater is essential.
• Thermometer: A thermometer is necessary for monitoring the temperature of the water in the tank.
• Water Test Kit: Regularly testing the water parameters is crucial to maintain a healthy environment for your guppies.
• Decorations & Plants: Guppies are more comfortable and feel safer with hiding spots. Decorate your tank with rocks, caves, and live or artificial plants.
• Lighting: Endler guppies need a proper day-night cycle, so a good aquarium light is important.
• Fish Net: For moving and handling your guppies, a small fish net is essential.
• Guppy Food: Provide a varied diet to ensure your guppies receive proper nutrition.

Having these supplies will help ensure a comfortable and healthy environment for your Endler guppies. Invest in high-quality equipment to give them the best possible care.

Endler Guppy Tank Setup

Setting up the perfect home for your Endler Guppies is essential in ensuring their health and happiness. Begin by selecting an appropriate tank, a minimum of 5 gallons for a few guppies, with 1-2 gallons added per additional guppy.

It’s crucial to provide a well-filtered tank with clean water to prevent toxins from harming your fish. Thus, a high-quality filter that offers mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration should be used. Adequate water flow should also be maintained to oxygenate the water effectively, which may require an air pump and airstone in some cases.

Endler Guppies are known for their incredible jumping skills, so a secure lid is a must to prevent accidental escapes. Your guppies will also prefer a gentle water current, so avoid strong powerheads or filters that would create unnecessary turbulence.

Be sure to add a heater to maintain a stable temperature of 22-28°C (72-82°F). This range is ideal for Endler Guppies, as it mimics their natural habitat.

Aquatic plants like Java moss and Anubias play a vital role in your guppies’ environment, offering them hiding spots and contributing to water quality. So, include live or artificial plants, rocks, and driftwood when creating their aquatic paradise.

Substrate is another essential element in your tank, with fine-grained options like sand or small gravel being ideal. Not only do they offer a natural look, but they also minimize the risk of your guppies injuring their delicate fins.

Lastly, ensure that your tank is illuminated with quality, energy-efficient lighting to create a favorable living environment for your guppies. With these essential components in place, your Endler Guppy tank will be the perfect haven for your new finned friends.

Endler Guppy Water Requirements

Keeping the water conditions right for your Endler guppy is essential for their overall health and well-being. Endler guppies thrive in water temperatures between 72°F and 80°F (22°C -26°C), so it’s important to keep the water at the right temperature by using a heater and thermometer.

These fish are sensitive to sudden changes in water parameters, which can cause stress and potential illness. The ideal water parameters for Endler guppies include a pH of 6.7 to 8.5, a water hardness of 8-12 dGH, and a carbonate hardness of 3-6 dKH. To ensure these parameters are maintained, use a test kit and perform regular water testing.

To keep the water clean and healthy, it’s necessary to have an adequate filtration system for your tank. Endler guppies prefer slow water flow, so a sponge filter is recommended. This will help remove any waste materials and maintain the water’s quality.

Additionally, you should perform regular water changes of 20-30% every week to help maintain water conditions. This will reduce the build-up of harmful substances and ensure a stable environment for your Endler guppies.

Here are some key water requirements for Endler guppies:

• Temperature: 72°F – 80°F (22°C – 26°C)
• pH: 6.7 to 8.5
• Water hardness: 8-12 dGH
• Carbonate hardness: 3-6 dKH

By maintaining the appropriate water conditions, you will create a healthy living environment for your Endler guppies, minimizing the chance of illness and ensuring their longevity.

Endler Guppy Diet and Feeding

Endler guppies are omnivorous and require a balanced diet to thrive. They can eat a variety of foods including flakes, pellets, freeze-dried, and frozen foods.

High-quality food should be your priority to ensure proper nutrition. Choose flakes or pellets as the staple food that is specifically formulated for guppies or other small omnivorous fish.

Supplement their diet with freeze-dried or frozen foods like daphnia, brine shrimp, or bloodworms to provide additional nutrients. These foods not only help in improving their color and overall health but also stimulate their natural foraging behavior.

In addition to store-bought food, you may also include live food in their diet. Live food sources such as mosquito larvae, daphnia, and brine shrimp can be fed to Endler guppies. However, you should be cautious with live foods as they may introduce parasites or diseases to your guppies.

Endler guppies should be fed 2-3 times a day and only an amount that can be consumed within a few minutes. Overfeeding should be avoided to prevent water quality issues and digestive problems.

Key takeaways for Endler guppy diet and feeding:

• Staple diet: Flakes or pellets specially formulated for guppies
• Supplement: Freeze-dried or frozen foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp, or bloodworms
• Optional: Live food sources like mosquito larvae
• Feed 2-3 times a day, only as much as they can consume in a few minutes
• Avoid overfeeding to prevent water quality and health issues

By offering a balanced and diverse diet, your Endler guppies will have better growth, coloration, and overall health. Monitor their feeding habits and make adjustments as needed to ensure a happy and vibrant aquarium.

Endler Guppy Care Schedule

To provide the best care for your Endler Guppies, establish a routine care schedule. This ensures that your fish remain healthy, active, and comfortable in their environment.

Here is a suitable care schedule that you can follow for optimal results:

Daily:

• Feeding: Feed your Endler Guppies once or twice a day, providing them with enough food that they can consume within a few minutes.
• Tank observations: Spend some time observing your fish for any sign of illness or distress; this can help you swiftly address any issues that may arise.

Weekly:

• Partial water change: Conduct 25-30% water changes in the tank every week to maintain water quality.
• Water quality tests: Check the water parameters, such as pH, temperature, and ammonia levels, to ensure your Endler Guppies’ well-being.
• Tank maintenance: Wipe down the tank walls and inspect your equipment, including filters, heaters, and lighting, to ensure everything is functioning well.

Monthly:

• Filter maintenance: Clean or replace your filter media as needed to maintain efficient filtration.
• Plant and décor inspection: Check aquarium plants and décor items for any signs of decay, algae growth, or damage. Remove and clean or replace them if necessary.
• Clean substrate: Take time to siphon out debris from the substrate to maintain a clean and healthy environment.

By regularly following this care schedule, your Endler Guppies will thrive and live a happy and healthy life. Remember that consistency is key, as maintaining a stable environment enables your fish to adapt and prosper.

Endler Guppy Health Problems

Endler guppies, like any other fish, can suffer from various health issues. However, with a well-maintained tank and proper care, you can minimize the risks and help them live a healthy life.

One common health problem among Endler guppies is Ich, which is a parasitic infection. You may notice white spots on your fish’s body, and they may become lethargic and lose their appetite. To treat Ich, raise the water temperature to 86°F (30°C) and add a suitable medication, following the instructions carefully.

Fin rot is another common issue, which can be caused by poor water quality or bacterial infections. Symptoms of fin rot include frayed or deteriorating fins. To treat fin rot, improve the water quality, and if needed, medicate with an antibiotic specifically formulated for fish.

Swim bladder disease is a disorder that can affect the fish’s ability to swim properly. Fish with this issue will often float upside down or struggle to maintain a normal position. Feeding your guppies with a well-balanced diet and avoiding overfeeding can help prevent swim bladder disease.

Internal parasites and external parasites are other potential health problems for your Endler guppies. Symptoms might include weight loss, erratic swimming, or visible parasites on the fish’s body. To treat parasites, consult an aquarium expert or veterinarian and follow their recommendations for medication.

To prevent health issues, maintain a clean tank with good water quality. Perform regular water changes, monitor water parameters, and avoid overfeeding. Additionally, take care to quarantine any new fish before adding them to your main tank.

Endler Guppy Tank Mates

Endler guppies are peaceful and social fish, making them an excellent addition to community aquariums. However, it is essential to choose the right tank mates to ensure all your aquatic pets thrive together.

When selecting tank mates for your Endler guppies, consider the following criteria:

• Size: Pick tank mates that are similar in size, as larger fish may view the smaller guppies as prey.
• Temperament: Choose non-aggressive, peaceful fish that will coexist without causing stress or harm.
• Water Parameters: Make sure your selected tank mates have comparable water requirements, such as temperature and pH levels.

Based on these criteria, some recommended tank mates for Endler guppies include:

• Neon Tetras: These small, brightly colored fish are peaceful and get along well with Endler guppies.
• Corydoras Catfish: These bottom-dwelling fish are compatible with guppies since they have a calm nature and similar water requirements.
• Mollies: Mollies are livebearers, just like guppies, and appreciate the same water parameters. They are social and get along well with Endler guppies.
• Platies: Another livebearer species, platies are peaceful and suitable for community tanks with Endler guppies.
• Cherry Shrimp: These small, colorful shrimps are excellent tank mates for Endler guppies as they help maintain the tank’s cleanliness and provide no threat to the fish.

Avoid aggressive species, such as cichlids or other fish known to fin-nip, as they can cause stress and injure your guppies. By providing a harmonious environment with compatible tank mates, you can successfully enjoy a vibrant and thriving Endler guppy community.

Endler Guppy Breeding

Endler guppies, just like their fancy guppy cousins, breed easily and prolifically. If you want to breed them and raise fry, here are some important steps to keep in mind:

1. Sexing your Endler guppies: Males usually have vibrant colors, whereas females are often larger and have a less colorful appearance.

2. Creating a suitable environment: To breed Endler guppies, provide them with a densely planted aquarium, which will offer hiding spots for the fry to escape predation from adult fish.

3. Pairing your guppies: You should maintain a ratio of 2-3 females to every male in the breeding tank to decrease stress on the females and promote healthy breeding behavior.

4. Feeding a proper diet: Endler guppies must be provided with a high-quality, varied diet in order to encourage breeding; this includes flakes, frozen or live foods, and vegetables.

5. Monitoring and separating pregnant females: Observe your female guppies for visible signs of pregnancy (such as a rounded belly), and if possible, move them to a separate “birthing” tank provided with ample hiding spots for newborn fry.

Some general tips for success with Endler guppy breeding include:

• Keeping water conditions in the breeding tank optimal with regular maintenance and water changes
• Offering a separate tank with a sponge filter for the fry to grow out, ensuring clean water and limiting competition for food resources
• Endler guppies have a gestation period of approximately 21-30 days, so be attentive to changing needs as they grow
• Feed the fry with special fry food at least 3 times a day during the first few weeks

By following these steps, you’ll be well-prepared to breed Endler guppies and nurture the next generation of these fascinating fish.

Conclusion

Endler Guppies are an excellent choice for beginners, as they are easy to care for, beautiful, and fascinating to watch. With the proper tank setup, nutrition, and maintenance, you can ensure your Endler Guppies live a healthy and happy life. We hope you found this guide helpful, and please feel free to leave a comment with any questions or experiences you want to share.