The Endlers Livebearer originates from Laguna de Patos, near Cumana in Venezuela, but it is now thought that they are extinct in the wild. They are named after John Endler, but John credits Franklyn F. Bond with having found them first. Endlers don’t officially have a scientific name yet, but most sources call them Poecilia “Endlers”. They are a distinct species closely related to the Guppy.  Endlers can interbreed with guppies, but the offspring are infertile. After John reported them, stock was mainly bred in Germany. Males are mainly orange and neon blue, but with the ease of breeding, the variations are numerous. Male colors are brighter than guppies. Females are plain. The size is smaller than a guppy and they lack the fancy tail. The profile is more streamlined.

Enlders frequent the top of the tank, similar to guppies. They prefer hard water and temperatures near 80 F are best. Endlers prefer warmer temperatures than guppies. They will do fine on flake foods, but also appreciate spirulina, tubifex, and brine shrimp. They love live food.

Like guppies, Endlers are very easy to breed. They have young monthly. A ratio of one male to two females is recommended to reduce the stress on the females. Java moss is great for helping the young survive, as Endler’s will eat their own new born fry.

To read an Email from John Endler visit the Krib

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