Blue Star Endler Livebearer (Poecilia endler) 1–2 cm

Overview

The Blue Star Endler Livebearer, Poecilia endler, is a dazzling, small livebearer prized for its shimmering blue patterning, active behaviour and suitability for planted community aquariums. This 1–2 cm size is ideal for aquarists looking to grow out a small shoal or add a splash of colour to an established nano or mid-sized tank. Endlers are closely related to guppies, but they are generally smaller, more streamlined and often display even brighter, more concentrated colouration.

These fish are a superb choice for beginners and experienced keepers alike. They are hardy, adaptable and constantly on the move, making them a lively focal point in the aquarium. Males are typically the most colourful, while females are larger and more subdued in appearance. As livebearers, they give birth to free-swimming young rather than laying eggs, so a healthy group can establish a thriving colony over time.

At Tropical Fish Co, we select healthy stock and pack carefully for transit, backed by our live arrival guarantee and fast UK delivery. If you want a small fish with big personality, the Blue Star Endler is a fantastic addition.

Care at a Glance

Origin & Natural Habitat

Endlers originate from northern Venezuela, particularly shallow, warm, slow-moving freshwater habitats such as lagoons, marshes and drainage channels. In the wild they inhabit areas with gentle flow, abundant plant growth and plenty of micro-foods. These environments are typically warm and mineral-rich, which helps explain why Endlers do best in stable, well-maintained aquariums with clean water and regular feeding.

The Blue Star strain is a selectively bred ornamental variety, developed to emphasise vivid blue tones and attractive metallic patterning. Although the colour form is man-made, the fish’s care requirements remain very close to those of wild-type Endlers: warm water, good oxygenation, and a planted setup with room to swim.

Tank Setup & Water Parameters

A planted aquarium is the best home for Blue Star Endlers. Dense planting, floating plants and fine-leaved stems help the fish feel secure while also providing cover for fry. A dark substrate can enhance their colouration, while open swimming space allows males to display and court females. Gentle filtration is ideal; sponge filters and mature internal filters work very well, as Endlers appreciate clean water without excessive current.

For a small group, a tank of 60 litres is a sensible starting point, though larger is always better if you want a more natural social setup or plan to keep a mixed-sex colony. Keep the aquarium fully cycled and stable, with regular partial water changes to maintain excellent water quality. Endlers are adaptable, but they thrive best in slightly hard to hard water with a neutral to mildly alkaline pH.

Recommended parameters: temperature 22–28°C, pH 6.8–8.0, with low to moderate flow. They are not demanding, but they do benefit from consistency. Sudden swings in temperature or water chemistry should be avoided, especially in smaller tanks.

If you are keeping males and females together, be aware that Endlers breed readily. Many aquarists enjoy this, but if you do not want fry, keep an all-male group or provide plenty of plant cover and a plan for rehoming offspring.

Feeding Guide

Blue Star Endlers are omnivores with a strong appetite and should be offered a varied diet. In the aquarium they readily accept high-quality micro pellets, crushed flakes and small live or frozen foods. Good options include baby brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops and finely chopped bloodworm as an occasional treat. A varied diet helps maintain colour, condition and breeding health.

Feed small amounts once or twice daily, only as much as they can consume within a couple of minutes. Because they are active and eager feeders, it is easy to overfeed them. A balanced diet with some vegetable content is beneficial; spirulina-based foods and quality flake formulas can help support digestion and long-term health.

Tank Mates / Compatibility

Blue Star Endlers are peaceful and best kept with other non-aggressive species that enjoy similar warm, clean water. Suitable companions include small rasboras, ember tetras, pygmy corydoras, Otocinclus, peaceful dwarf shrimp and other calm livebearers. They also do well in species-only tanks, where their colours and behaviour can be fully appreciated.

Avoid housing them with large, boisterous or predatory fish that may outcompete them for food or see them as prey. Fin-nippers and highly territorial species are also poor choices. Because Endlers are tiny, even fish that seem “community safe” may still intimidate them if they are much larger or overly active.

When selecting tank mates, consider the size of the fish and the pace of the aquarium. Endlers do best in calm, planted setups with similarly peaceful companions. If you keep shrimp, provide plenty of moss and cover so young shrimp and fry can hide.

Why Buy from Tropical Fish Co

At Tropical Fish Co, we focus on supplying healthy, well-conditioned livestock that settles quickly into the home aquarium. Our Blue Star Endlers are carefully selected for quality and vitality, and we pack every order with the welfare of the fish in mind. With our live arrival guarantee and fast UK delivery, you can order with confidence.

We also aim to make fishkeeping straightforward and enjoyable. Whether you are setting up your first planted tank or adding colour to an established community aquarium, our team is here to help you choose the right livestock and care for it properly. Blue Star Endlers are a brilliant option for aquarists who want beauty, movement and easy care in one small package.

With the right setup, these lively little livebearers will reward you with constant activity, natural breeding behaviour and brilliant flashes of blue across the aquarium.