- Sku: FW1-F8982
- Vendor: Squeaky's Aquatics
Blue Red Star Endler (Poecilia wingei)
Your order is reserved — we hold off on bagging until you arrive, so it stays healthy in its display tank.
The Blue Red Star Endler (Poecilia wingei) is a dazzling color strain of the Endler's Livebearer — a metallic blue body lit by a bright red starburst pattern and a black sword-like tail accent. Tiny, peaceful, and full of personality, Endlers are ideal for planted nano tanks and shrimp setups. Each fish is hand-picked from our display systems at Squeaky's Aquatics.
Pair them with other nano-friendly tank mates like Neon Tetras, peaceful Panda Corys, or invertebrates like Neocaridina shrimp and Nerite snails. Browse our freshwater fish collection for more compatible companions.
Care Guide
- Care Level: Beginner — one of the hardiest livebearers, even more forgiving than guppies.
- Tank Size: 10 gallons minimum for a small colony; 15–20 gallons recommended for breeding setups.
- Water Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C).
- pH: 7.0–8.5 — thrives in hard, slightly alkaline water.
- Hardness: 8–15 dGH. Endlers do best in moderately hard water.
- Diet: Omnivore with tiny mouths. Crush flake or feed Ocean Nutrition Brine Shrimp Plus Flake, micro pellets, baby brine shrimp, and finely chopped frozen foods.
- Lifespan: 2–3 years with good care.
- Acclimation: Drip acclimate over 30–45 minutes. Endlers are hardy but appreciate gentle temperature and pH transitions.
Specifications
| Common Name | Blue Red Star Endler |
| Scientific Name | Poecilia wingei |
| Family | Poeciliidae (Livebearers) |
| Origin | Captive-bred color line; wild species from Venezuelan coastal lagoons |
| Max Size | Males ~1", Females ~1.5–1.8" |
| Temperament | Peaceful, active, schooling |
| Shrimp Safe | Yes — safe with adult Neocaridina; may pick at newborn shrimplets |
| Plant Safe | Excellent for planted tanks |
Compatibility
Great tank mates: small peaceful community fish — Neon Tetras, ember tetras, chili rasboras, Panda Corys, otocinclus, and other nano fish. Neocaridina shrimp coexist beautifully with adult Endlers.
Caution: Endlers will interbreed with fancy guppies — keep them separate if you want to preserve the pure strain. Avoid any fin-nippers or aggressive fish (tiger barbs, bettas, larger cichlids).
Avoid: any fish large enough to view them as a snack — angelfish, larger cichlids, and most catfish over 3 inches.
Recommended Foods & Supplies
- Ocean Nutrition Brine Shrimp Plus Flake — crush before feeding; perfect protein boost for color.
- Seachem Prime — conditions tap water and detoxifies ammonia between water changes.
- Neocaridina Shrimp — add a colorful cleanup crew that pairs perfectly with Endlers.
- Browse all freshwater plants — Endlers shine in planted tanks.
- Browse all fish foods for micro pellets and frozen options.
FAQ
Are these males or females?
Our Endler shipments are typically male-heavy — males show the bold blue and red star pattern. Females are larger and plain silver-gray. If you need a specific sex, give us a call or come by the shop.
Will they interbreed with my guppies?
Yes — Endlers and fancy guppies will hybridize, producing fertile offspring that lose the distinct Endler patterns within a few generations. Keep them in separate tanks if you care about maintaining the pure strain.
How many can I keep together?
Endlers are social and look best in groups of 6+. A 10-gallon tank comfortably holds 8–10 males; a 20-gallon long can house 20+. They breed prolifically if you keep both sexes.
Are they good for a shrimp tank?
Yes! Adult Endlers and adult Neocaridina shrimp coexist perfectly. Heavy plant cover (moss, floaters) helps any baby shrimplets escape, since Endlers may snack on the smallest ones.
Have a question?
Blue Red Star Endler (Poecilia wingei)
