Neon Tuxedo Endler Guppy

Introduction: The Neon Tuxedo Endler Guppy is a striking and colorful freshwater fish, admired for its vibrant neon hues and unique tuxedo-like markings. These small but lively fish are perfect for nano tanks and community aquariums, known for their active behavior and peaceful nature. Endler Guppies, including the Neon Tuxedo variety, are a popular choice for both beginner and experienced aquarists due to their hardy nature and ease of care.

Scientific Name: The Neon Tuxedo Endler Guppy is scientifically classified as Poecilia wingei. They are often referred to simply as Endlers, a close relative of the more common guppy (Poecilia reticulata).

Water Quality and Temperature:

• Temperature: Keep the water temperature between 72°F to 82°F (22°C to 28°C).
• pH Level: A pH range of 7.0 to 8.0 is ideal, as they thrive in slightly alkaline conditions.
• Hardness: Maintain water hardness between 10 to 25 dGH for optimal health.

Feeding: The Neon Tuxedo Endler Guppy is omnivorous and accepts a wide range of foods. A balanced diet ensures vibrant coloration and good health. Offer:

• Flakes: High-quality tropical fish flakes, particularly those formulated for guppies.
• Live/Frozen Foods: Supplement their diet with live or frozen brine shrimp, daphnia, or bloodworms.
• Vegetable-Based Foods: Spirulina flakes or blanched vegetables such as zucchini or spinach are great additions to their diet.

Tank Mates: The Neon Tuxedo Endler Guppy is peaceful and does well with similarly sized, non-aggressive fish. Suitable tank mates include other livebearers like guppies, mollies, and platies, as well as small tetras, rasboras, and peaceful bottom-dwellers like Corydoras. Avoid housing them with larger, aggressive species that may nip at their fins or cause stress.

Substrates and Tank Decorations: A fine gravel or sandy substrate is ideal for Endler Guppies. Include live plants, driftwood, and small rock formations to provide hiding spots and a natural feel. Floating plants such as duckweed or water lettuce can offer additional cover, helping them feel secure in the tank.

Suitable Plants: Endlers appreciate well-planted aquariums with species such as Java moss, Anubias, and Amazon sword. These plants not only provide cover but also help maintain water quality by absorbing excess nutrients.

Sexing: Male Neon Tuxedo Endler Guppies are more colorful and vibrant than females, displaying their signature neon colors and tuxedo markings. Males are also smaller, with a slender body shape and longer, more ornate fins. Females, in contrast, are typically larger, with a more rounded body and less intense coloration.

Breeding: Endler Guppies are livebearers, meaning they give birth to free-swimming fry. Breeding is relatively easy and frequent under the right conditions. A well-maintained tank with stable water parameters and plenty of hiding spots will encourage natural breeding behavior. Females can give birth to a brood of 10 to 30 fry every 3 to 4 weeks. To increase fry survival, provide dense plant cover, such as Java moss, or use a separate breeding box.

Maximum Size and Longevity: Neon Tuxedo Endler Guppies typically grow to around 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) in length. With proper care, they can live up to 2 to 3 years in captivity.

General Information: The Neon Tuxedo Endler Guppy is known for its bright and dynamic coloration, active swimming behavior, and hardy nature. It’s an ideal fish for community aquariums, as they bring life and color to any tank while being easy to care for. Due to their small size, they’re also a popular choice for nano tanks, where their vivid colors can truly stand out.

A Fun Fact: Endler Guppies were originally discovered in a small lagoon in Venezuela and remained relatively unknown to the aquarium world for many years. Their vibrant colors and adaptability have since made them a favorite among hobbyists.