Guppies Endler – Japan Neon Blue Double Swordtail Endler Guppy 2cm – MALE

Endler Guppys are very hardy and undemanding in the aquarium and the usual freshwater tropical set-up & parameters will allow them to do well. They seem to especially thrive in planted tanks, as this more closely mimics their natural environment. Endlers prefer harder & warmer water (26-27°c), but this is not a strict requirement. Keep in mind, the warmer the water, the faster they grow; however, this may also shorten their lifespan.

Because of their small size (even as adults) they make an excellent choice for small desktop aquariums, but do enjoy a roomy environment when available to them. Also, Endlers are an especially peaceful fish so get along extremely well with other peaceful fish in a community set up.

Endlers are tirelessly active, always swimming about their environment, pecking at algae, displaying to one another or generally investigating anything that catches their attention. They are also insatiably inquisitive and will only be briefly phased by disruptions to their tank. Even while doing tank maintenance, they will often come to investigate and nibble at your fingers or get close to a siphon hose.

Although they appear to establish a pecking order, no real fights seem to occur other than some good-natured chasing. Adult males often “flare” or “display” at their reflection on the tank glass, to each other and, of course, for females. They are very mild-tempered and don’t bother tank mates.

They freely use all parts of the aquarium, seemingly without preference, happy to check out whatever is in the vicinity. As their tank becomes dark, most Endlers will sink to the bottom and “sleep” there until the light returns. Occasionally Endlers choose to sleep overnight near the top as well, which often happens in community tanks with larger fish that inhabit the bottom.

Males are noticeably smaller than females and are strikingly colourful, while females are larger and plumper and are relatively monochromatic in shades of silvery tan. Breeding will take place as long as there are males and females within the same tank and does not require any special preparation such as water parameters, depth, temperatures, male/female ratio, plants, substrate or altered light schedules that are required to breed many other fish species.

They give birth to live fully-formed young (fry) approximately every 23 days as their “livebearer” name suggests, rather than laying eggs. Female Endlers (and many other Poeciliid livebearers) can store sperm from prior matings, so they may continue to produce fry for up to a year when males are not present (known as superfetation / superfoetation). Fry “drops” or “broods” can range in size from 1 to 30 fry depending on several variables, including female size and age. The fry, although small, are easy to see and are active swimmers soon after birth. Warmer water temperatures appear to favour male fry development, while cooler temperatures favour female fry development. An even ratio (50/50) seems to be produced at about 25°c.

Although adult Endlers rarely eat their young, the fry can make a tasty snack for other tank mates. To help ensure survival, they should be kept in a tank with plenty of hiding areas or in a densely-planted tank. Alternately, raise the fry in a separate small tank until they are too big to be eaten. Endler fry will grow very quickly when fed a few times per day. Males attain breeding age and will produce adult colour in 3-5 weeks but usually take a few months to develop full colour depth and intensity. Females can usually produce small fry drops at about 8 weeks.

Endlers are omnivorous and will eat most of the commercially available fish foods providing the food will fit into their small mouths. Most flake food is too large and should be crushed into smaller sizes before feeding. A high-quality vegetable matter is a great staple, but a varied diet is always best. Endlers can also be fed frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, blood worms and other small invertebrates. Fry will eat finely crushed flake food or one of the specially-prepared micro/powder fry foods on the market. Both fry and adults will nibble on any algae they find in their tank.

Endlers will quickly learn the schedule you use to feed them. When it’s feeding time, they will swarm in anticipation, darting to whatever part of the tank is closest to you. They can also be trained by lightly tapping on the aquarium rim to alert them to the feast.

• Species – Poecilia wingei
• Common Name – Japan Blue Double Swordtail Endler Guppy
• Origin – On the North of Venezuela and Lagoa dos Patos on the North coast of South America.
• Diet – Omnivore
• PH Range – 6.7 – 8.5
• Temperature – Tropical 22–26°c
• Breed Type – Livebearer
• Current Size – approximately 1 -2 cm (Grows to approximately 2 – 2.5cm)
• Sex – Un-sexed