Red Endler Livebearer (Poecilia endler) 1-2 cm

Overview

The Red Endler Livebearer (Poecilia endler) is a small, vibrant and active freshwater fish prized for its intense red colouration, lively behaviour and easy-going nature. Sold here at 1-2 cm, these young fish are ideal for aquarists looking to grow out a shoal in a planted community aquarium. Endlers are closely related to guppies, but are typically smaller, more streamlined and often even more energetic, making them a fantastic choice for compact tropical setups.

Red Endlers are a brilliant option for both newer fish keepers and experienced hobbyists who want a colourful, low-maintenance livebearer. They are best kept in groups, where males will display their best colours and natural social behaviour. With suitable water conditions, a varied diet and plenty of cover, they are hardy, prolific and rewarding fish to keep.

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

Care at a Glance

Origin & Natural Habitat

Endlers originate from Venezuela, where they were first recorded from shallow, warm, slow-moving waters around Laguna de Patos and nearby coastal lagoons. In the wild, they inhabit calm, plant-rich environments with gentle flow, warm temperatures and plenty of natural cover. These habitats are typically full of submerged vegetation, algae growth and small invertebrates, which explains their preference for planted aquariums and their opportunistic feeding habits.

Because they come from stable tropical waters, Red Endlers appreciate clean, well-oxygenated aquariums with consistent temperature and good filtration. They are adaptable, but they thrive best when kept in conditions that mimic their natural environment: warm, lightly planted and free from aggressive tank mates.

Tank Setup & Water Parameters

A planted community aquarium is ideal for Red Endlers. Dense planting, floating plants and fine-leaved stems help them feel secure while also giving fry somewhere to hide. A dark substrate can enhance their colours, and open swimming space should still be provided so the fish can dart and display naturally.

For a small group, a 40-litre aquarium is the practical minimum, though a larger tank is always better if you plan to keep a mixed-sex group or a breeding colony. Gentle filtration is recommended, such as a sponge filter or a well-adjusted internal filter, as Endlers do not appreciate strong currents. Regular partial water changes will help maintain water quality and support healthy colouration and breeding.

Recommended parameters are:

• Temperature: 22-28°C
• pH: 6.5-8.0
• Water hardness: Soft to moderately hard
• Flow: Gentle

Although they are hardy, sudden changes in water chemistry should be avoided. Acclimatise new fish carefully and keep conditions stable for the best long-term results. If you are keeping males and females together, be aware that Endlers breed readily, so provide space and plan for fry management.

Feeding Guide

Red Endlers are omnivores with a strong appetite for small foods. In the aquarium, they do well on high-quality micro pellets, crushed flakes and live or frozen foods such as baby brine shrimp, daphnia and cyclops. A varied diet helps maintain colour, condition and breeding health.

Feed small amounts once or twice daily, offering only what they can consume in a couple of minutes. Because they are active and fast feeders, make sure food is small enough for their mouths and distributed across the tank so all individuals get a chance to eat. Occasional vegetable matter, spirulina-based foods and algae wafers broken into tiny pieces can also be beneficial.

For breeding stock and growing juveniles, frequent small meals are especially useful. Avoid overfeeding, as excess food can quickly affect water quality in smaller aquariums.

Tank Mates / Compatibility

Red Endlers are peaceful and best suited to other calm, non-predatory species. They do well with small community fish that will not outcompete them for food or nip their fins. They also make excellent companions for shrimp and many peaceful snails, provided the tank is mature and well planted.

Ideal tank mates include small rasboras, ember tetras, pygmy corydoras, Otocinclus, peaceful dwarf catfish, cherry shrimp and nerite snails. If you keep males and females together, expect breeding activity and fry, so a planted tank with hiding places is strongly recommended.

Avoid large, aggressive or boisterous fish that may harass or eat them. Fin-nippers and predatory species are also unsuitable. Because Endlers are small and active, they can be stressed by tank mates that are too fast, too territorial or simply too large.

Why Buy from Tropical Fish Co

When you order from Tropical Fish Co, you can buy with confidence. We carefully pack and dispatch livestock using reliable methods designed to protect fish in transit, and we offer a live arrival guarantee for peace of mind. Our fast UK delivery helps reduce travel time and get your new fish into your aquarium sooner.

We understand that healthy livestock starts with good husbandry, so we aim to supply robust, well-conditioned fish that are ready to thrive in the home aquarium. Whether you are building a colourful planted community or starting a livebearer colony, Red Endlers are a fantastic choice for long-term enjoyment. Add a group to your tank and enjoy their constant activity, vivid colour and easy care.