- Classical Endler’s (Wild Type)
2. Black Bar Endler’s
This is the original and most common variety, featuring a combination of vibrant colors and patterns. The classical Endler has a mixture of red, yellow, blue and green on its body and wings.
As the name suggests, this variety displays prominent black vertical stripes on its body, often set against a contrasting background color. The black bars may vary in number and intensity.
3. Metalhead Endler’s:
The scales of metalheads have a metallic sheen, giving them a distinctive shine that appears to change color depending on lighting conditions.
4. Tuxedo Endler’s:
The color pattern of the Tuxedo Endler resembles a formal tuxedo outfit. They typically exhibit a black body with contrasting colored tail and wings.
6. Snakeskin Endler’s:
5. Lace Endler’s:
This variety has intricate, lace-like patterns on the feathers, creating an exquisite and delicate appearance.
Snakeskin Endler has a pattern that resembles snake scales. The pattern may vary in intensity and may cover the entire body or parts of it.
7. Blond Endler’s:
Blonde Endlers are characterized by their predominantly yellow or golden color, which can vary in intensity and coverage.
8. Painted Endler’s:
This variety displays a wide range of colors, often appearing as if someone has painted random spots of different colors on its body.
9. Panda Endler’s:
Similar to the tuxedo variety, pandas have black bodies, but their tails and wings are also completely black, creating a striking contrast.
10. Chili Endler’s:
Chile endlers are known for their fiery red color, which is similar to the heat of chili peppers.
11. Blue Star Endler’s:
The Blue Star Endler displays a brilliant blue color on their body and fins, making them stand out in any aquarium.
Origins and Discovery:
Endler’s livebearer is native to the freshwater streams and lagoons of northern Venezuela, especially in the Cumaná region. The fish are named after Dr. John Endler, an American biologist who first encountered and collected them in the late 1970s. He brought them back to the United States, where they attracted the attention of aquarium hobbyists and scientists.
Physical Characteristics:
The Endler’s livebearer is a member of the Poecilidae family, which also includes guppies and mollies. They are significantly smaller than guppies, with males reaching about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in length, while females are slightly larger, growing to 1.5 inches (3.8 cm). These fish display a wide range of vibrant colors, including red, yellow, orange, blue, green and black, arranged in stunning patterns on their bodies.
Sexual Dimorphism:
One of the most striking characteristics of Endler’s livebearer is its sexual dimorphism. Males are smaller and more colorful, with intricate patterns and larger tails, while females are larger, displaying duller colors. The striking differences between the sexes are what make these fish particularly interesting.
Behavior and Social Interaction:
Endler’s livebearer is generally peaceful and can live with many other peaceful fish species in a community aquarium. However, it is important to keep the female-to-male ratio high (at least two females per male) to prevent excessive male harassment. Males are known to wave their colorful feathers and perform impressive acrobatic dances to attract females.
Aquarium Requirements:
The Endler Livebearer is considered a robust fish, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced hobbyists. They prefer well-maintained, planted aquariums with plenty of hiding places and open spaces for swimming. A tank of about 10 gallons (40 L) is sufficient for a small group of these beautiful fish.
Water Parameters:
These fish thrive in slightly alkaline water with a pH level between 7.0 and 8.5 and a temperature between 72°F to 82°F (22°C to 28°C). Regular water changes are essential to maintain optimal water quality and keep the fish healthy.
Feeding:
The Endler livebearer is an omnivorous species, meaning they eat a diverse diet. In the wild, they feed on algae, small invertebrates, and other organic matter. In captivity, they readily accept high quality flake food, consisting of live or frozen treats such as daphnia, brine shrimp and bloodworms.
Breeding:
For many aquarium enthusiasts, breeding Endler livebearers is a rewarding and exciting endeavor. Fortunately, these fish are prolific breeders, and under the right conditions, they reproduce easily. Females may give birth to a small batch of fry every few weeks. It is advisable to provide dense vegetation or a separate breeding tank to protect the newborn fry from being eaten by adult fish.
Conservation Status:
In its natural habitat, Endler’s livebearer faces challenges due to habitat destruction and the introduction of non-native species. Their limited range has raised concerns about their conservation status. However, in the aquarium trade, they are widely bred and have become a popular and sustainable choice for enthusiasts.
Endler’s Livebearer fish have made a special place in the hearts of aquarium lovers around the world due to their attractive colors, playful behavior and ease of care. The joy of watching these small, vibrant fish swim gracefully in their aquatic haven is a testament to the beauty and wonder of the natural world that we can bring into our homes. By promoting responsible aquarium maintenance and conservation efforts, we can ensure that these amazing creatures will continue to delight and inspire future generations of aquarists for years to come.