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

Overview

The Japan Blue Endler, Poecilia endler, is a dazzling livebearer prized for its metallic blue colouration, active swimming style and easy-going nature. Offered here at 1–2 cm, these young fish will quickly settle in and develop into eye-catching adults with the right care and a varied diet. Endlers are closely related to guppies, but they are typically smaller, more streamlined and often display even more intense colour in males. The Japan Blue strain is especially sought after for its shimmering blue tones and elegant patterning.

These fish are a superb choice for planted community aquariums, nano tanks with enough swimming space, and hobbyists looking for a lively species that is both attractive and straightforward to keep. They are hardy, adaptable and well suited to aquarists of all experience levels. As with all live fish from Tropical Fish Co, your order is covered by our live arrival guarantee and sent with fast UK delivery for peace of mind.

Japan Blue Endlers are social, active and best kept in groups. Males are smaller and more colourful, while females are larger and plainer, with a fuller body shape. They are livebearers, meaning females give birth to free-swimming fry rather than laying eggs. In a well-planted aquarium, you may even see natural breeding behaviour and occasional fry survival.

Care at a Glance

Origin & Natural Habitat

Endlers originate from freshwater and brackish-influenced waters in northern Venezuela, particularly around shallow lagoons, marshes and slow-moving channels. In nature, they inhabit warm, sunlit waters with plenty of vegetation, algae and microfauna. These environments are often calm, with dense plant growth and a mix of open swimming areas and sheltered cover.

The Japan Blue strain is a selectively bred aquarium variety developed from Endler livebearers. While the colour form is not found exactly as such in the wild, the species’ natural resilience and adaptability make it a reliable aquarium fish. Their preference for warm, mineral-rich water reflects their livebearer biology, and they generally thrive best in stable, well-maintained aquariums.

Tank Setup & Water Parameters

For best results, keep Japan Blue Endlers in a mature, cycled aquarium with gentle filtration and plenty of planting. A 60-litre tank is a sensible minimum for a small group, though larger aquariums are always better for maintaining stable water conditions and supporting a healthy colony. A planted setup with floating plants, fine-leaved stems and open swimming space will help the fish feel secure and display natural behaviour.

Use a filter with a mild to moderate flow. Endlers are active but not strong swimmers in turbulent water, so avoid excessive current. A dark substrate can help colours stand out, while driftwood, rocks and live plants provide visual interest and cover. Floating plants are particularly useful, as they diffuse light and offer shelter for fry and shy individuals.

Water should be clean, oxygenated and stable. Aim for a temperature between 22 and 28°C, with 24–26°C being a comfortable everyday range. A pH of 6.8 to 8.0 is suitable, though slightly alkaline, harder water is often ideal for long-term health and breeding success. Regular partial water changes are important, especially in smaller tanks or heavily stocked community setups. Because these are livebearers, they appreciate mineral content in the water; very soft, acidic water is less suitable over time.

Acclimate new fish carefully by floating the bag to equalise temperature and then gradually mixing tank water into the transport water over 20–30 minutes. This reduces stress and helps the fish settle quickly. Once introduced, they usually begin exploring and feeding soon after arrival.

Feeding Guide

Japan Blue Endlers are omnivores and do best on a varied diet. High-quality micro pellets or flake food should form the staple, supplemented with frozen or live foods such as daphnia, baby brine shrimp, cyclops and finely chopped bloodworm. Vegetable matter is also important, so include spirulina-based foods or blanched greens occasionally to support digestion and colour.

Feed small amounts once or twice daily, offering only what the fish can consume in a couple of minutes. Overfeeding can quickly affect water quality, particularly in smaller aquariums. A varied diet helps males develop stronger colouration and supports breeding condition in females. Fry can be raised on powdered fry food, infusoria, or newly hatched brine shrimp.

Tank Mates / Compatibility

Japan Blue Endlers are peaceful and best paired with other calm species that will not outcompete or harass them. Suitable companions include small rasboras, ember tetras, pygmy corydoras, otocinclus, shrimp and snails, provided the aquarium is large enough and well structured. They also do well with other peaceful livebearers, though hybridisation can occur if kept with guppies or closely related strains.

Avoid large, boisterous or predatory fish that may nip fins or view Endlers as food. Fin-nipping species and aggressive cichlids are not suitable. If you want to maintain the purity of the strain, keep them separate from guppies and other Poecilia species. Males can be kept together, but a mixed group with more females than males often reduces stress and excessive chasing.

Because they are active and social, Endlers are best kept in groups rather than singly. A small colony will show more natural behaviour and better colour. Dense planting and visual breaks help reduce stress and give females places to rest.

Why Buy from Tropical Fish Co

At Tropical Fish Co, we focus on healthy, well-conditioned livestock and careful packing to help your fish arrive in excellent condition. Your Japan Blue Endlers are dispatched using fast UK delivery, and every order is backed by our live arrival guarantee for added confidence. We understand how important it is to receive fish that are active, healthy and ready to settle into your aquarium.

We also aim to provide clear, accurate care information so you can make the most of your new fish from day one. Whether you are building a planted nano aquarium, starting a livebearer colony or adding colour to a peaceful community tank, Japan Blue Endlers are a superb choice. Their compact size, hardy nature and vivid blue sheen make them a favourite among aquarists looking for beauty without complexity.

Choose Tropical Fish Co for quality livestock, reliable service and expert support from a UK aquatic specialist.