Endlers (Poecilia wingei) are a small, colorful livebearer tropical fish that originate from Venezuela. Endlers are relatively new to the tropical fish hobby with most strains introduced later than 2006.
Where Do Endlers Come From?
Endlers were first discovered in Laguna de Patos located in Venezuela by Franklyn F. Bond in 1937. These unique fish where forgotten pretty much until they were rediscovered by Dr. John Endler in 1975 when he noted their beautiful metallic green coloration.
Most of the original 1975 Endlers where hybridized or lost their coloration over time and where all but lost to the hobby.
In recent years we have been fortunate that these beautiful tropical fish once again have been collected and distributed for all to enjoy.
Endlers May Be At Risk Of Extinction
There is some concern over the the native habitat in Venezuela where they come from. Reports from those who have visited the waters from which they came from report habitat loss due to pollution and predation. This may be complicated due to the political climate in Venezuela at this time.
Although there are new phenotypes being discovered there is some concern that their habitat is being destroyed putting the wild Endler population at risk of extinction.
The Joy Of Keeping Endlers
Endlers are a pure joy to watch in an aquarium. Most strains have very bright vibrant coloration and beautiful patterns. Endlers occupy the entire space in an aquarium looking for food and courting. Endlers will usually swim up to the side of the tank when they see a person walk by in anticipation of getting fed.
To date Endlers have been discovered in two different regions in Venezuela.
Cumana Endlers
Many of the Cumana Endlers that have been introduced into the hobby in the United States were collected in Laguna de Patos and the surrounding area by Armando Pau and line bred and introduced into the hobby by Adrian Hernandez (AdrianHD).
Campoma Endlers
Most of the Campoma Endlers found in the hobby today were originally collected and distributed into the hobby by Phil Voisin (Philderodez) of the Netherlands.
New to keeping Endlers? You may find the following articles helpful:
- Stable & Natural Water Conditions Can Help Produce Healthy Endlers
- Endlers Livebearer Care
- Snakeskin Orchid Endler Fry Mixed With Mature Endlers (Do Endlers Eat Their Fry)
- Feeding Your Endlers for Color & Health
- Preventing Illness in Endlers Livebearers
- Classifications of Endlers Livebearers
- Line Breeding Endlers…The Casual Hobbyist Approach
- The Confusion Between Pure Endlers, Hybrid Endlers and Guppies
- Ich on Endlers
- Types of Endlers and The Origin of Their Names