Endlers are small, brilliantly coloured livebearers that are prized for their constant activity, hardy nature and incredible patterns. Closely related to guppies, Endlers are perfect for nano aquariums, planted tanks and shrimp-friendly community setups. Their vibrant colours and energetic behaviour make them one of the most rewarding fish to keep.

Why You'll Love Endlers

• Brilliant natural colours with metallic patterns
• Perfect for nano and planted aquariums
• Peaceful, active and constantly on display
• Hardy and suitable for beginner aquarists
• Livebearers that breed readily in healthy aquariums

Creating the Ideal Home

Tank Size

Endlers can comfortably be kept in aquariums from 20–30 litres, although larger aquariums provide greater stability and allow for larger schools and more natural behaviour.

Temperature

Endlers thrive between 22–28°C, with 24–26°C being ideal for long-term health and breeding.

Water Quality

• Ammonia: 0 ppm
• Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: ideally below 20 ppm
• pH: 6.8–8.0

Although Endlers are hardy fish, they should only be kept in a fully cycled aquarium with stable water conditions and regular maintenance.

Filtration

Gentle filtration is ideal. Sponge filters are an excellent choice, particularly in breeding aquariums, as they provide biological filtration while protecting newborn fry.

Aquascaping

A heavily planted aquarium with mosses, floating plants and driftwood provides security while allowing Endlers to display their natural behaviour. Dense vegetation also offers shelter for fry.

Feeding

Endlers are omnivores and enjoy a varied diet that supports vibrant colouration and healthy breeding.

• Premium micro pellets
• Quality tropical flakes
• Baby brine shrimp
• Daphnia
• Microworms
• Live foods for conditioning

Small, frequent feedings help these active fish maintain excellent condition.

Suitable Tank Mates

Endlers are peaceful and thrive with other small community fish that won't outcompete them for food.

• Celestial Pearl Danios
• Emerald Dwarf Rasboras
• Small Rasboras
• Pygmy Corydoras
• Otocinclus
• Sparkling Gouramis
• Freshwater Shrimp
• Small Snails

Avoid keeping Endlers with large, aggressive fish or fin-nipping species that may stress or prey upon them.

Popular Endler Varieties

• Black Bar Endler
• Japan Blue Endler
• Tiger Endler
• Red Chest Endler
• Yellow Tiger Endler
• Blue Star Endler
• Santa Maria Endler
• Wild-Type Endler

Endler FAQs

What's the difference between Endlers and Guppies?

Endlers are generally smaller, more active and display distinctive wild-type colour patterns. While they are closely related to guppies and can interbreed, many hobbyists keep pure Endler strains to preserve their unique genetics.

Are Endlers good for beginners?

Yes. Their hardy nature, small size and ease of care make Endlers one of the best freshwater fish for beginner aquarists.

Do Endlers breed easily?

Yes. Like guppies, Endlers are livebearers and reproduce readily in healthy aquariums. Fry will benefit from dense plants or breeding setups to improve survival.

Can Endlers live with shrimp?

Yes. Endlers are one of the better fish choices for shrimp aquariums. Adult shrimp are usually left alone, although very young shrimplets may occasionally be eaten.

Should I keep male and female Endlers together?

If you don't want regular breeding, keep males only. If you choose to keep both sexes, aim for at least two or three females per male to reduce stress from constant courtship.