Female Endler Endler's Guppy

Female Endler Guppy

The male Endler Guppy, Poecilia wingei, is one of the most popular tropical fish. They are bright and colourful which really stands out in any aquarium. Females, on the other hand, are very plain and lack colouration, but when paired with males will prolifically produce fry.

Originating from South America, Guppies can be found in mountain streams as well as brackish rivers. Wild Guppies can be found around the world in places like Barbados, Trinidad, Singapore, Venezuela and the USA.

Poecilia wingei, Endler guppy species was first collected from Laguna de Patos in Venezuela by Franklyn F. Bond in 1937, and rediscovered by Dr. John Endler in 1975. The latter were the first examples of this fish to make it to the aquarium trade.

What is the difference between normal Guppies and Endler Guppy?
Male Endler's guppies are smaller than most guppy species, and have unique bright metallic body patterns and colours. The females are more similar to traditional guppies, often being larger thans Endler males and more familiar-looking to a traditional guppy. Females will quite happilly breed with other guppy species.

Do Guppies change gender?
No, guppies cannot change their gender. An easy way to tell male and female guppy live-bearers apart is to look at the anal fins. The males have a gonopodium which looks like a stick where the females have a fanned anal fin.

Can Guppy's breed without a male fish present?
No, but a unique feature among female guppies is their ability to give birth to several broods consecutively without male insemination occurring each time. This is possible because of special folds in the female's genital area that store sperm for up to 6 months until needed for fertilization. This explains 'phantom' births in female-only guppy setups.

Features
Approx. supplied size: 1" / 2-3cm
Maximum size: 1-2" / 2-5cm
Origin: South America
Family: Poeciliidae
Temperament: Peaceful
Lighting requirement: Low
Ideal number kept together: 3+ (2 females to 1 male)

Water conditions
Our conditions: pH 7.5, temp 25°C
Ideal pH: 6.5–7.5
Water flow: low to moderate
Ideal temperature: 22-28°C

Ease of care
Easy. Its recommended that the sexes be kept 2 females to every 1 male. Males will harass the females otherwise.

Compatibility
Guppies are a peaceful community fish but Endler's are quite small, so be careful not to house with anything large enough to fit Endlers in their mouth.

Diet
Feed tropical fish flake or small granules. Take care not to overfeed.

Breeding
Guppies are live bearers so will spawn prolifically. Females can store sperm for up to 6 months, and can give birth to between 10 and 30 fry every 6 weeks. Female Endler's show no colouration and are usually longer and plumper than male Endler's.

Life Span
Endler's guppy's can live 1-2 years in perfect conditions.

For more information on general fishkeeping and our shipping procedures click here.