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Endler's Guppy

This freshwater aquarium fish is a total showstopper - its vibrant colors and relaxed demeanor make it a crowd-pleaser. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, the Endler's Guppy is a low-maintenance and visually appealing addition to any tank. It's easy to care for and will add a pop of color to your aquarium.

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My Guppy Obsession: Why Endler Guppies Steal Your Heart

Name: My Guppy Obsession: Why Endler Guppies Steal Your Heart
Item: Endler's Guppy
Rating: 5
Author: bykopiluwak

summarizeEditor's Summary

As an aquarium enthusiast, I've had my fair share of fish-keeping successes and failures, but Endler guppies have stolen my heart with their low-maintenance and unique characteristics. With their ability to breed live, they're perfect tankmates for shrimp and can thrive in small tanks. I've been breeding Endler guppies for a while now, and I'm impressed by their vibrant colors and easy-going nature. Whether you're a seasoned aquarist or a beginner, Endler guppies are definitely worth considering. They're relatively easy to care for and can even tolerate small tank conditions, making them an excellent choice for anyone looking to start or expand their aquarium. I've found that they're a great choice for busy aquarists, too, since they're low-maintenance and don't require a lot of space. Plus, their unique color patterns make them a joy to watch and care for.

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KararMükemmel

Bakım8/10

Kalite9/10

Beslenme9/10

Hello fellow aquarium enthusiasts!

I've been hooked on aquariums since my school days, and my first fish were humble guppies. I still remember that small 5-liter tank, the algae, and those colorful fish. Let's just say I've had my fair share of successes and failures in fish-keeping and breeding. Experience is indeed the best teacher!

I've had my fair share of fish over the years - goldfish, betta fish, scalars, barbs, and many more. But what really caught my eye were the simple guppies. They're the most low-maintenance fish out there, and the best part? They're livebearers. I don't know why I'm drawn to breeding fish and growing plants, but it's a fact - I love multiplying and breeding!

Now I have three tanks: a 35-liter main tank, a 15-liter shrimp tank with Endler guppy fry, and a 5-liter tank where I also have fry. I'm a happy fish-keeper, and I love watching my fish thrive!

Not long ago, I discovered the Endler guppy breed. After reading up on it online, I found out that it's not a new breed at all - it's just gaining popularity lately.

Endler guppies, or dwarf guppies (Poecilia wingei), are the closest relatives of the well-known livebearer. Although the species was first described back in 1937, it wasn't widely popular in aquarium culture until decades later, after John Endler 'rediscovered' them and gave them their name.

In pet stores and at bird markets, these guppies are pricey. But you can find them much cheaper on Avito - that's where I got my first Endlers.

The males and females are unmistakable. Firstly, they differ in size - the female is about a centimeter larger than the male. The female is around 3-4 cm, while the male is 2.5-3 cm.

Secondly, coloration. The males have a very vibrant color pattern, and it's different for each one - no identical patterns. I managed to take a few photos:

Guppies from Endler

I have to say, the photos don't do these fish justice - they look way more impressive in person. There are actually a few different varieties of Guppies from Endler, and they come in a range of colors. You can just Google some images and check them out. Temperature-wise, they're pretty flexible - they can handle water between 22-28 degrees Celsius. I've even had mine get up to 30 degrees when the heaters kick in, and they're still thriving.

Like most fish, Guppies from Endler do best when fed 1-2 times a day. But there's a bit of a rule among aquarium enthusiasts that says 'a healthy fish is a hungry fish' - not that you should literally starve them, but don't overdo it with the feeding either.

Guppies from Endler

I feed mine once a day, and once a week I do a fasting day - it doesn't seem to affect them at all. Better to err on the side of caution and not overfeed than to risk messing up the water quality.

What to feed Guppies from Endler?

These Guppies are pretty easy-going when it comes to food - they'll eat just about anything.

For adults, I buy either from the pet store or online.

Guppies from Endler

They'll eat any type of dry food, and they're not fussy about live food either (although I don't feed them live food that often).

For fry, I buy crushed food - it's like powder. The cost is super low.

Actually, fry need to be fed about 4 times a day (unlike adults), and they grow super fast - but you don't want to overfeed them or the water quality will suffer.

Guppy Endler

I've already mentioned how often Guppy Endlers breed - it's ridiculously often. At least once a month. No special conditions are needed, they just know what to do.

One thing to keep in mind is that you need more females than males in the tank. If there are too many males, they'll just harass the females, and it can end badly...

So, how do you know when a female is about to give birth?

Well, her belly gets really big, and you can see the sides of her body sticking out.

Guppy Endler And another sign is a big, dark spot around the same area... (there are exceptions - some females have that spot even when they're not pregnant.)

At first, I was separating them into a separate container, but it's not very convenient. The mother would still eat some of the fry. So, I bought an incubator (breeder box). I started with one, then another, and another...

Guppy Endler

Why? Well, it's simple - they breed every 3-4 weeks, and I have a lot of females. It's impossible to keep them all in one tank (overcrowding is a death sentence for the fish).

Guppy Endler

In my main tank, I have around 20 Guppy Endlers and a few Anacharis plants. I keep the fry separate.

Guppies EndlerThey're born alive, a pale grey (semi-transparent) color. Sex is pretty clear by around 5-6 weeks. Guppies Endler Guppies Endler

I've found that Guppies Endler do best with peaceful, non-predatory fish.

Swordtails, barbs, and gouramis will chomp on their tails. Goldfish can even swallow the males (and young females).

Mollies are another no-go - they'll snack on the guppies' tails too.

I'd also avoid neon tetras, as they'll occasionally nip at the tails of my peaceful heroes.

But shrimp and anabantids (clawed frogs) have been great tankmates, leaving each other be.

I keep the males separate in different tanks due to their age - the older ones and the newborns. Once they're big enough, I transfer them to the main tank, and then I add new babies to the separate tank.

Guppies EndlerGuppies Endler aren't picky about their plants, either. They'll thrive with any type.

I prefer keeping riddle leaf (which you can see on all the photos) in my tanks.

It grows fast, doesn't turn brown, can float, and you can plant it in the substrate. Plus, it looks great.

Guppy EndlerI've found that the Endler guppies make great hiding spots for the males, especially if you haven't had a chance to breed the female and she ends up having babies in the tank. The rams horn will provide a great place for them to hide and escape.

One of the things I love about Endler guppies is how beautiful they are - the males have a unique color pattern that's different for each one.

They're livebearers, which means they give birth to live young, and they're really easy to breed.

They're not too picky about their food, and they'll eat just about anything.

They're also really adaptable and can thrive in just about any environment.

One of the downsides of Endler guppies is that the color takes a while to develop - it can take around 5-6 weeks for the males to get their vibrant colors.

I'm absolutely loving these Endler guppies. They're so low maintenance and their colors and activity are really entertaining to watch. I find myself spending hours just observing them in the tank.

Guppy Endler One thing that sets Endler guppies apart from regular guppies is the way the females look right before they give birth:With regular guppies, the belly will start to get really swollen and take on a step-like appearance a few days before the birth. But with Endler guppies, the belly is more rounded and you might not notice the birth as much. I usually end up moving them to a separate tank a little early to make sure I catch the birth.

Pretty much the only downside is that they can be a bit more challenging to breed, but the payoff is worth it.

If you're just starting out with aquariums and want some beautiful and unique fish, I highly recommend giving Endler guppies a try.

Guppy EndlerThe best part is that they're really adaptable and can thrive in just about any environment - they'll eat just about any food, live with any plants, and even tolerate a wide range of substrates. Just be sure to avoid keeping them with larger or more aggressive fish.

Thanks for reading!

live_helpFeatured FAQ

What is the ideal tank size for Endler guppies?

Endler guppies can thrive in tanks as small as 5 gallons, but a minimum tank size of 10 gallons is recommended to provide them with enough space to swim and breed.

How often should I feed my Endler guppies?

Endler guppies are omnivores and require a balanced diet. Feed them 2-3 times a day, but only as much as they can consume within a few minutes to prevent overfeeding.

Can I keep Endler guppies with other fish?

Yes, Endler guppies are peaceful and can be kept with other small, peaceful fish. However, it's essential to research compatible tankmates and ensure they have enough space and resources.

How do I breed Endler guppies?

Endler guppies are livebearers, so they give birth to live young. To breed them, provide a separate breeding tank with a heater, filter, and plenty of hiding places. Introduce a male and female Endler guppy, and they will breed naturally.

What is the average lifespan of Endler guppies?

Endler guppies can live for up to 2-3 years in optimal conditions, but their lifespan can vary depending on factors like water quality, diet, and tank size.

Can I keep Endler guppies in a community tank?

Yes, Endler guppies can be kept in a community tank, but it's essential to research compatible tankmates and ensure they have enough space and resources. A minimum tank size of 20 gallons is recommended for a community tank.

How do I care for Endler guppies?

Endler guppies require regular water changes, a balanced diet, and a clean tank. Monitor their water quality, and perform 10-15% water changes weekly. Provide plenty of hiding places and plants to reduce stress.

Can I keep Endler guppies in a cold water tank?

No, Endler guppies require warm water, and a temperature range of 72-82°F (22-28°C) is ideal. Avoid keeping them in cold water tanks, as it can lead to stress and disease.

How often should I clean my Endler guppies' tank?

Clean your Endler guppies' tank regularly to keep them healthy and happy. Remove any debris or waste, and replace the water as needed.

check_circlePros

•Endler guppies are livebearers, making them a great choice for breeding and multiplying.
•They're perfect tankmates for shrimp due to their peaceful nature.
•Each Endler guppy has a unique color pattern, making them a joy to watch and care for.
•They're relatively small, making them ideal for small tanks.
•Endler guppies are easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of water conditions.
•They're low-maintenance, which makes them perfect for busy aquarists.
•Their peaceful nature makes them a great choice for community tanks.
•They're relatively easy to find online, which is a plus for those who can't find them in local pet stores.

cancelCons

•Endler guppies can be sensitive to water quality, so regular water changes are essential.
•They can be prone to disease if not properly cared for.
•Endler guppies are not as hardy as some other fish breeds, so they may not be suitable for beginners.
•They can be challenging to find in local pet stores, so online shopping may be necessary.
•Endler guppies are relatively expensive compared to other fish breeds.
•They require a balanced diet to stay healthy, which can be time-consuming to manage.