Add an explosion of vibrant color and constant activity to your planted aquarium with the Male Red Tiger Endler(Poecilia wingei). Known for their fiery orange-red pigmentation, bold black vertical tiger striping, and metallic neon accents, male Red Tiger Endlers are widely considered one of the most eye-catching nano livebearers in the freshwater fishkeeping hobby. Resilient, active, and peaceful, these micro fish are ideal for aquarists of all skill levels.
Place of Origin
Endler’s Livebearers originate from the warm streams, lagoons, and coastal waters of northern Venezuela, primarily around the Cumaná and Campoma regions. The Red Tiger Endler is a selectively bred strain developed to accentuate dark tiger-like bars and intense red-orange coloration while maintaining the hardiness, small size, and energetic nature of wild Endler populations.
Care & Tank Size
Red Tiger Endlers are exceptionally easy to maintain, making them a fantastic choice for both beginners and experienced aquascapers.
-
Minimum Tank Size: 5 to 10 gallons (ideal for nano aquariums).
-
Care Level: Easy / Beginner-Friendly.
-
Temperature: 72°F – 80°F (22°C – 27°C).
-
pH Range: 7.0 – 8.2 (Prefers hard, slightly alkaline water).
-
Water Hardness: 10 – 25 dGH.
-
Adult Size: Males grow to approximately 0.75 to 1 inch.
Keep water quality pristine with regular weekly water changes of 20%–25% and stable water parameters.
Environment & Tank Setup
To showcase their remarkable coloration, house male Red Tiger Endlers in a well-planted aquarium featuring live aquatic plants like Anubias, Java Fern, Guppy Grass, and floating plants like Frogbit. Using a dark gravel or black sand substrate creates a high-contrast background that makes their orange and red hues pop. Ensure mild to moderate filtration flow, as excessive current can tire out these small fish.
Feeding & Diet
Red Tiger Endlers are active omnivores that require a varied diet to maintain optimal health and color intensity:
-
Base Diet: High-quality micro flakes, slow-sinking micro pellets, and spirulina powders.
-
Treats & Color Boosters: Live or frozen baby brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops, and micro-worms fed 2–3 times per week.
Tank Mates & Temperament
Male Red Tiger Endlers are completely peaceful and do well in community nano tanks. Since they are small and non-aggressive, pair them with gentle tank mates, including:
-
Small Schooling Fish: Chili Rasboras, Ember Tetras, Celestial Pearl Danios.
-
Bottom Dwellers: Pygmy Corydoras, Otocinclus, Hillstream Loaches.
-
Invertebrates: Cherry Shrimp, Amano Shrimp, Nerite Snails, Mystery Snails.
Caution: Avoid housing with large, aggressive, or predatory species (such as large cichlids or larger tetras) that may view Endlers as food. Keep in mind that housing males with female Endlers or Guppies will lead to breeding.
Breeding & Husbandry
This listing is for males only, perfect for hobbyists looking for a colorful "all-male" setup without the risk of overpopulation. However, if females are introduced, Red Tiger Endlers breed readily. As livebearers, females give birth to active free-swimming fry roughly every 28 days. Providing dense foliage or Java Moss will offer shelter for young fry.