Green Snake Endler Guppy (Poecilia endler) 2-3 cm

Overview

The Green Snake Endler Guppy (Poecilia endler) is a lively, small livebearer prized for its vivid green sheen and attractive snake-like patterning. At just 2-3 cm when supplied, these fish are an excellent choice for aquarists looking for colour, movement and personality in a compact size. Endlers are closely related to guppies, but they tend to stay smaller, remain active, and often display especially bold colours and markings.

These fish are ideal for planted community aquariums, nano tanks with sensible stocking, and hobbyists who want a hardy, easy-to-feed species that still offers plenty of visual impact. Males are typically the most colourful, while females are larger, fuller-bodied and usually less ornate. As livebearers, they may breed readily in the right conditions, so it is worth planning stocking and tank mates accordingly.

At Tropical Fish Co, we supply healthy, carefully selected fish with a live arrival guarantee and fast UK delivery, so your new Endlers arrive in excellent condition and ready to settle into their new home.

Care at a Glance

Origin & Natural Habitat

Endlers originate from northern Venezuela, where they were first recorded in and around shallow, warm, slow-moving waters. In the wild, they inhabit calm lagoons, drainage channels and vegetated pools with plenty of plant cover and natural micro-foods. These environments are typically warm, lightly mineralised and rich in hiding places, which helps explain why Endlers thrive in planted aquariums with gentle filtration and stable water quality.

The Green Snake variety is a selectively bred colour form, developed for its distinctive pattern and metallic green tones. While the colouration is aquarium-bred, the species’ underlying behaviour and requirements remain the same: warm water, clean conditions, regular feeding and a peaceful environment.

Tank Setup & Water Parameters

Endlers do best in a well-established aquarium with stable water parameters and plenty of planting. A tank of 40 litres or more is suitable for a small group, though larger aquariums are always better for long-term stability and to support a more natural social group. A ratio of one male to two or more females is often recommended if you intend to keep mixed-sex groups, as this helps reduce persistent male attention.

Use a gentle filter that provides good biological filtration without creating excessive current. Live plants such as hornwort, water sprite, guppy grass, Java moss and floating plants are especially useful, offering cover for females and fry while also helping to keep the fish feeling secure. Fine-leaved planting and open swimming space together create the best balance.

Water should be kept warm and clean, with regular partial water changes to maintain low waste levels. Endlers are more tolerant than many delicate species, but they still appreciate consistency. Avoid sudden swings in temperature or pH, and acclimatise new fish carefully. A slightly alkaline to neutral pH is ideal, though they can adapt to a range if changes are gradual.

Recommended parameters:

• Temperature: 22-28°C
• pH: 6.5-8.0
• Hardness: soft to moderately hard water

Provide a secure lid, as these fish are active and may jump when startled. Good lighting will enhance their colours, especially in a planted tank with dark substrate or background.

Feeding Guide

Green Snake Endlers are omnivores and should be offered a varied diet for best health and colour. A quality micro pellet or flake designed for livebearers can form the staple, supplemented with frozen or live foods such as baby brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops and finely chopped bloodworm. Vegetable matter is also beneficial; spirulina-based foods and blanched greens can help support digestion and overall condition.

Feed small amounts once or twice daily, only what the fish can consume in a couple of minutes. Overfeeding can quickly affect water quality in smaller aquariums, so a light, varied feeding routine is preferable. Fry will need suitably tiny foods such as infusoria, powdered fry food or newly hatched brine shrimp.

Tank Mates / Compatibility

Endlers are peaceful and generally do well with other calm, similarly sized fish. They are best kept with species that will not outcompete them for food or harass them. Ideal companions include small tetras, rasboras, peaceful dwarf corydoras, otocinclus, shrimp in established tanks, and other non-aggressive livebearers where space allows.

Because they are small and active, avoid housing them with large, predatory or fin-nipping fish. Aggressive species, boisterous barbs, large cichlids and anything likely to view them as food should be excluded. If you keep males and females together, be aware that breeding can occur frequently, so provide plant cover and consider how you will manage fry.

In a species-only setup, Endlers really shine. A group of males can create a stunning display of constant colour and movement, while a mixed group will often produce fry if conditions are suitable. If you want to preserve the strain, avoid mixing with standard guppies unless you are happy with hybridisation.

Why Buy from Tropical Fish Co

When you order from Tropical Fish Co, you can expect carefully packed livestock, expert handling and a commitment to fish health from the moment they leave us to the moment they arrive with you. Our Green Snake Endlers are selected for quality and vitality, and we support every order with a live arrival guarantee and fast UK delivery.

We understand that live fish purchases need confidence, clear information and reliable service. That is why we focus on healthy stock, secure packaging and helpful care guidance to give your aquarium the best possible start. Whether you are building a planted nano tank or adding colour to a larger community setup, these Endlers are a fantastic choice for both beginners and experienced aquarists alike.

With their hardiness, brilliant patterning and active nature, Green Snake Endlers are a rewarding fish to keep and a standout addition to any peaceful freshwater aquarium.