Santa Maria Endler Pair (Poecilia wingei) is a vibrant, selectively bred strain of Endler's Livebearer prized for its intricate metallic color pattern — males display a deep, almost black upper body contrasted with fiery orange and red accents along the tail and dorsal fin, often described as resembling flames. This pair listing gives you a male and female to start a colony, or simply to enjoy as a small, endlessly active pair in a nano tank.
Endler's Livebearer was originally thought to be a regional variant of the common Guppy before being recognized as its own distinct species. Wild Poecilia wingei are endemic to the Laguna de Patos and nearby lagoons and streams in northeastern Venezuela — warm, clear to slightly brackish water with dense vegetation. The Santa Maria strain itself is a captive-bred line developed for its specific color and fin pattern, not a wild locality fish.
Feeding & Care Tip: Santa Maria Endlers are easy, unfussy eaters — a high-quality flake or small pellet makes a fine staple, and for ideal color and breeding condition, supplement 2–3× weekly with live or frozen brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms. Feed small amounts several times a day rather than one large feeding to support their constant activity level without overloading water quality.
This species is peaceful, very active, and breeds readily and continuously in freshwater — expect regular small broods if both sexes are present and well cared for. They typically occupy the top of the water column but will move through the middle and bottom levels while foraging or during courtship. They are not afraid to jump, so a lid, hood, or a meaningfully lowered water level is recommended.
Santa Maria Endlers are safe with most peaceful community fish and adult dwarf shrimp, though they may eat shrimp fry given the chance. Avoid fin-nipping species like tiger barbs, which will harass the male's elaborate finnage. They do best kept in groups for natural schooling behavior and reduced stress — a single pair will do fine, but a small group of 6 or more makes for a much more dynamic, naturalistic display.
| Difficulty | Beginner — Easy |
| Temperament | Peaceful, very active |
| Typical Adult Size | Males 0.8–1.2 in (2–3 cm); females 1.2–1.6 in (3–4 cm) |
| Recommended Grouping | Pair minimum; groups of 6+ for best natural display |
| Ideal Temp | 75–82°F (24–28°C) |
| Ideal pH | 7.0–8.0, hard and alkaline — matches native lagoon habitat |
| Ideal GH | 10–20+ dGH |
| Staple Food | High-quality flake or small pellet |
| Treat / Supplement | Live/frozen brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms 2–3× weekly |
| Origin | Captive-bred strain of Poecilia wingei (wild ancestors: Laguna de Patos, Venezuela) |
| Notes | Breeds continuously and readily in freshwater. Will jump — lid or lowered water level recommended. May eat shrimp fry; otherwise safe with peaceful community tankmates. |
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