Endler’s Livebearer Poecilia endler supercolor 1.5–2 cm

Overview

Endler’s livebearers are one of the most rewarding small tropical fish for both beginners and experienced aquarists. The Poecilia endler supercolor strain offers the brilliant metallic greens, oranges, reds and blues that make Endlers so popular, while keeping the same hardy, active and easy-going nature that has made the species a favourite in planted community aquariums.

At just 1.5–2 cm on sale, these are young fish that will quickly settle in and grow into lively adults. Males remain small and intensely coloured, while females are larger and more rounded. Endlers are constantly on the move, displaying to one another and exploring the upper and middle levels of the tank. They are a great choice for aquarists who want colour, movement and regular breeding behaviour without the demands of more delicate species.

We supply healthy live fish with a live arrival guarantee and fast UK delivery, so your new fish arrive in the best possible condition. As with all livebearers, they do best in a stable, mature aquarium with good filtration, regular maintenance and plenty of planting.

Although often sold as a beginner fish, Endlers are at their best in a thoughtfully set-up aquarium. They appreciate warm, clean water, gentle flow and a varied diet. In return, they are prolific, active and full of personality, making them a superb addition to nano, small and medium community tanks.

Care at a Glance

Origin & Natural Habitat

Endler’s livebearers originate from northern Venezuela, where they were first found in and around shallow, warm, mineral-rich waters. In the wild they inhabit slow-moving lagoons, marshes, drainage channels and vegetated shallows with plenty of cover. These environments are typically warm, bright and full of plant growth, algae and tiny invertebrates that provide natural grazing opportunities.

The species is closely related to the guppy and shares many of the same traits, but Endlers are generally smaller, more streamlined and often more vividly patterned. Their natural habitat helps explain their preferences in the aquarium: they thrive in stable, well-filtered water with live plants, open swimming space and gentle movement rather than strong current.

Because they are adaptable and prolific, Endlers have become established in the hobby as a hardy livebearer that can suit a wide range of aquariums. The supercolour strain has been selectively bred for enhanced colouration, making them especially attractive in planted display tanks.

Tank Setup & Water Parameters

For best results, keep Endlers in a mature aquarium with a secure lid, as they can be active swimmers and may jump if startled. A tank from 60 litres upwards is suitable for a small group, though larger aquariums are always better if you want to keep a mixed colony or allow for natural breeding.

These fish appreciate a planted layout with fine-leaved plants, floating plants and areas of cover. Floating plants help diffuse light and give fry somewhere to hide, while dense planting also reduces stress and encourages natural behaviour. Good choices include hornwort, water sprite, Java moss, guppy grass and other easy aquarium plants.

Filtration should be efficient but not overly powerful. Endlers prefer clean water with low to moderate flow. Regular partial water changes are important, especially in heavily stocked or breeding tanks, as livebearers can produce a fair amount of waste relative to their size.

Recommended water values are:

• Temperature: 22–28°C
• pH: 6.8–8.0
• General hardness: Moderate to hard water is ideal
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm at all times

Endlers are adaptable, but they do best when conditions are stable. Avoid sudden changes in temperature or chemistry. If your tap water is very soft and acidic, consider remineralisation or mixing with harder water to keep them in the range they prefer. A planted aquarium with a dark substrate can also help their colours stand out beautifully.

Feeding Guide

Endler’s livebearers are omnivores with a strong appetite for small foods. In nature they graze on tiny crustaceans, algae and biofilm, so a varied diet is important in captivity. Offer a quality micro pellet or flake as the staple, supplemented with frozen or live foods such as baby brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops and finely chopped bloodworm.

They also benefit from some vegetable matter in the diet. Spirulina-based foods, blanched spinach and algae wafers broken into small pieces can help support digestion and colour. Feed small amounts once or twice daily, only what they can consume in a minute or two. Overfeeding is a common mistake with livebearers and can quickly affect water quality.

For breeding colonies and growing juveniles, frequent small meals are often best. A varied feeding routine helps maintain strong colour, good body condition and healthy fry development.

Tank Mates / Compatibility

Endlers are peaceful and best kept with other non-aggressive species that will not outcompete them for food or nip their fins. They do well with other small community fish and calm invertebrates, especially in planted aquariums where they can school loosely and retreat among the vegetation.

Suitable companions include small rasboras, peaceful tetras, ember tetras, pygmy corydoras, otocinclus, kuhli loaches and many shrimp species. Snails are also a good match. If you keep males and females together, expect breeding; Endlers are livebearers and can reproduce readily in suitable conditions.

Avoid housing them with large, boisterous or predatory fish. Fin-nippers and species that may view them as food are not suitable. Very fast-feeding fish can also make it difficult for Endlers to get enough food, especially the smaller or younger individuals.

When mixing with guppies, be aware that hybridisation can occur. If you want to preserve the appearance and breeding line of your Endlers, it is best to keep them separate from guppies and closely related livebearers.

Why Buy from Tropical Fish Co

At Tropical Fish Co, we focus on healthy, well-conditioned livestock and careful packing for live fish delivery across the UK. Your Endler’s livebearers are selected for quality and colour, then prepared for dispatch with welfare in mind to help ensure a smooth arrival and easy acclimation.

We offer a live arrival guarantee and fast UK delivery, giving you confidence when ordering online. Whether you are starting a planted nano tank, building a colourful community aquarium or adding movement to an established setup, these supercolour Endlers are a fantastic choice.

With their hardiness, compact size and constant activity, Endler’s livebearers are one of the best-value live fish for aquarists who want reliable colour and lively behaviour. Add a group to your aquarium and enjoy a fish that is as entertaining as it is beautiful.