El Tigre Endler – Male

Introduction

The El Tigre Endler, scientifically known as Poecilia wingei, is a colorful and striking freshwater fish that is a variant of the popular Endler’s livebearer. With its vibrant patterns and small size, the El Tigre Endler has become a favorite among aquarium enthusiasts, especially for those who enjoy adding lively and colorful species to their tanks. Originating from the tropical waters of Venezuela, this species is often found in streams and rivers, where it thrives in warm and well-oxygenated environments.

Scientific Name

Poecilia wingei, commonly known as the El Tigre Endler.

Water Quality and Temperature

• Temperature: Maintain the water temperature between 72°F to 82°F (22°C to 28°C), which reflects the warm, tropical environment the El Tigre Endler is native to.
• pH Level: A pH range of 6.5 to 8.0 is ideal for the El Tigre Endler, mimicking the slightly alkaline to neutral water conditions of its natural habitat.
• Hardness: They thrive in moderately hard water with a dGH of 10 to 20.
• Filtration: They prefer well-filtered water that is free of debris and excess nutrients, which helps them stay healthy and vibrant.

Feeding

• Diet: The El Tigre Endler is omnivorous and enjoys a variety of foods. They will readily accept high-quality flakes, pellets, and live foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, or mosquito larvae.
• Vegetables: Adding small amounts of blanched spinach or algae wafers can provide them with extra nutrients, ensuring a balanced diet.
• Feeding Frequency: Feed them 2-3 times per day in small amounts, as they have fast metabolisms and will readily consume whatever is available.

Tank Mates

El Tigre Endlers are peaceful and social fish, making them great additions to community tanks. They are best kept with other peaceful species, such as small tetras, guppies, or other livebearers. Avoid keeping them with larger or aggressive fish, as they may become stressed or outcompeted for food. They tend to stay near the surface and mid-levels of the tank, so having tankmates that occupy different areas of the aquarium is ideal.

Substrates and Tank Decorations

A fine substrate, such as sand or small gravel, is ideal for the El Tigre Endler, as it allows them to forage naturally. They will enjoy hiding spots provided by plants, rocks, or decorations. Dense planting is especially appreciated, as it provides cover and encourages natural behavior. Live plants like Java Moss, Anubias, and Amazon Swords will thrive in their tank, and they can also help maintain water quality by absorbing excess nutrients.

Suitable Plants

The El Tigre Endler enjoys a tank with plenty of plants, where they can seek shelter and graze on algae. Plants like Java Moss, Vallisneria, and Hornwort are good choices, as they provide a natural habitat while also contributing to the health of the tank.

Sexing

Sexing El Tigre Endlers is relatively easy. The males are typically smaller and more colorful, displaying vibrant patterns of orange, red, and black with a distinctive tiger-like stripe pattern. Females, on the other hand, are larger, less colorful, and often a more muted shade of silver or yellow.

Breeding

The El Tigre Endler is a livebearer, meaning it gives birth to fully formed, free-swimming fry. To breed them in captivity, maintain a group of males and females, with a ratio of one male to two or three females to reduce stress on the females. During mating, the males will display their colorful fins and chase the females. After mating, females will carry the fertilized eggs for about 3-4 weeks before giving birth. The fry are born small but fully developed and can be fed immediately with baby brine shrimp or finely crushed flake food.

Maximum Size and Longevity

El Tigre Endlers are relatively small, growing to about 1.5 inches (4 cm) in length. With proper care, they can live up to 2-3 years, although their lifespan may vary depending on tank conditions and water quality.

General Information

The El Tigre Endler is a small, vibrant fish that brings energy and color to any tank. Its peaceful nature, combined with its attractive patterns and ease of care, makes it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced aquarists. They are active swimmers and will enjoy swimming in schools, making them a dynamic addition to community aquariums.

A Fun Fact

The El Tigre Endler is known for its ability to crossbreed with other types of livebearers, such as guppies. This has led to the creation of various hybrids, but the El Tigre Endler remains a unique and popular variety due to its distinctive tiger-like pattern and striking colors.