Black Bar Endler Guppy

Introduction: Welcome to the vibrant world of the Black Bar Endler, a small but striking livebearer known for its vivid colors and unique patterns. Scientifically classified as Poecilia wingei, this Endler is a favorite among aquarists for its active behavior and relatively easy care. Originating from the freshwater streams of Venezuela, the Black Bar Endler is a great addition to nano tanks or community aquariums, offering a splash of color and lively movement.

Scientific Name: The Black Bar Endler is scientifically known as Poecilia wingei. It is also referred to simply as “Endler’s Livebearer” and is closely related to the common guppy.

Water Quality and Temperature: To create an ideal environment for the Black Bar Endler, replicate its natural habitat with the following water parameters:

• Temperature: Maintain a temperature range of 75°F to 82°F (24°C to 28°C) for optimal health and activity.
• pH Level: Keep the pH level between 7.0 and 8.0 to suit their freshwater preferences.
• GH Level: Aim for a general hardness (GH) level between 12 to 20 dGH to support their health.
• KH Level: Maintain the carbonate hardness (KH) within the range of 5 to 12 dKH.

Feeding: The Black Bar Endler is an omnivorous fish with a varied diet. Provide a balanced diet that includes:

• Flake Foods: High-quality flake foods designed for small livebearers or guppies.
• Pellets: Micro pellets that are nutrient-rich and suitable for small fish.
• Live or Frozen Foods: Such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and micro worms to provide essential protein.
• Vegetables: Finely chopped vegetables like spinach or spirulina-based foods can be offered occasionally for added nutrients.

Tank Mates: The Black Bar Endler is peaceful and can coexist well with other small, non-aggressive species. Ideal tank mates include small tetras, rasboras, and other livebearers like guppies. Avoid housing them with larger or aggressive fish that may prey on or stress them.

Substrates and Tank Decorations: For substrates, a fine gravel or sand base works well to create a natural environment for the Black Bar Endler. Tank decorations should include plenty of live plants, such as Java Moss, Anubias, or Hornwort, which provide hiding spots and mimic their natural habitat. Adding driftwood and small rocks can also enhance the tank’s aesthetics and offer additional cover.

Suitable Plants: The Black Bar Endler thrives in a well-planted aquarium. Consider using hardy, low-maintenance plants like Java Fern, Anubias, and Cryptocoryne. Floating plants like Duckweed or Water Lettuce can also be beneficial, offering shade and a sense of security for the fish.

Sexing: Sexing Black Bar Endlers is relatively easy. Males are typically smaller and more colorful, with distinctive black bar patterns along their bodies. Females are larger, less colorful, and have a more rounded abdomen, especially when pregnant.

Breeding: Breeding Black Bar Endlers is straightforward, as they are livebearers. Females give birth to fully formed fry rather than laying eggs. To encourage breeding, maintain stable water conditions and provide plenty of hiding spots for the fry, as adult fish may eat them. Fry can be raised on finely crushed flake foods or specialized fry food.

Maximum Size and Longevity: The Black Bar Endler typically grows to about 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5 to 3.8 cm) in length, making it a perfect fit for smaller tanks. With proper care, they can live up to 2 to 3 years, offering a long-lasting and vibrant addition to your aquarium.

General Information: The Black Bar Endler is prized for its vivid colors and dynamic swimming behavior. Its ease of care and compatibility with other small fish make it an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced aquarists. This Endler’s active nature and striking appearance ensure it stands out in any community setup.

A Fun Fact: The Black Bar Endler is often crossbred with common guppies to create unique color variations. However, pure strains of Poecilia wingei are highly sought after by enthusiasts for their true-to-type characteristics and stunning natural beauty.