Cobra Endler Guppy (Poecilia wingei)

A small snakeskin-patterned Endler for a peaceful planted aquarium

The Endler (Poecilia wingei) is a small livebearer from the coastal lagoons of north-eastern Venezuela, closely related to the guppy. The cobra is an aquarium-bred form named for its snakeskin pattern: males carry a fine reticulated pattern on the body and a spotted tail, often with orange and green tones; females are plain silver-olive and a little larger.

This listing sells single, unsexed fish: the strain is not sorted by sex, so a fish may be a patterned male or a plain female.

What you receive

One quantity is one live Cobra Endler, unsexed. Set the quantity to the number of fish you want; Endlers are happiest in a small group. Photos show the male pattern — females are plain silver-olive.

Aquarium and water

A mature, planted aquarium of about 41 litres or more suits a small group, with gentle flow and fine-leaved or floating plants. Endlers prefer harder, slightly alkaline water: 24–28°C, pH 7.0–8.0 and 15–18 dGH, the overlap of Seriously Fish and OATA guidance. Keep nitrate low with regular partial water changes.

Feeding

Feed a fine flake or micro-pellet once or twice a day, with small frozen or live foods such as Daphnia and baby brine shrimp a few times a week.

Tank mates and behaviour

Peaceful and best with other small, calm fish that like similar water — small rasboras, Corydoras, Otocinclus and shrimp. Avoid fin-nippers and fish large enough to eat them. Endlers readily cross with guppies, so keep them apart if strain purity matters.

Follow the arrival sequence before releasing the fish

Tropical Fish Co’s delivery and Live Arrival Guarantee policy explains the packing and arrival procedure. Livestock is hand-bagged in pure oxygen and placed in an insulated poly box, with a heat pack when the weather calls for it. Someone must be at the address to receive the parcel because live animals cannot be left unattended.

1. Receive the parcel in person and start filming before opening it. Show the parcel still sealed with the outer box visible.
2. Open the parcel in one continuous take. Keep filming until the fish can be seen inside the sealed bag before anything is disturbed.
3. Float the bag for 20–30 minutes so the temperature equalises slowly.
4. Do not pour the bag water into the aquarium. Release the fish without adding transport water to the established system.

If a Live Arrival Guarantee claim is required, contact us on the same day with the order number and the continuous unboxing video. Before the parcel arrives, confirm that ammonia and nitrite read zero and that the aquarium matches the water values on this page.

Frequently asked questions

Is it a male?

Not guaranteed. One quantity is one unsexed fish; the strain is not sorted by sex.

What does the cobra pattern look like?

Males show a fine snakeskin-style pattern on the body and a spotted tail; females are plain silver-olive.

What water do they need?

24–28°C, pH 7.0–8.0 and 15–18 dGH in a mature, planted aquarium.

Will they breed with guppies?

Yes, Endlers and guppies interbreed readily; keep them apart if you want to keep the strain pure.

Public references

• FishBase: Poecilia wingei — identity, native range and size.
• Seriously Fish: Poecilia wingei — native range, water conditions, aquarium size and behaviour.
• OATA: How to look after guppies and mollies — water quality, feeding and livebearer guidance.
• RSPCA aquarium environment guidance — biological filtration and the aquarium nitrogen cycle.