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Poecilia wingei
Poecilia wingei, male from the Campoma type-locality population
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Cyprinodontiformes
Family: Poeciliidae
Genus: Poecilia
Species:
P. wingei
Binomial name
Poecilia wingei


Poecilia wingei, known to aquarists as Endlers or Endler's livebearer, in the genus Poecilia, is a small fish native to the Paria Peninsula in Venezuela.[2] They are prolific breeders and often hybridize with guppies. These very colorful hybrids are the easiest to find being offered in pet-shops, typically under the name Endler's guppy.

History

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Poecilia wingei is a very colorful guppy species, similar to the fancy guppy often found in pet shops. The species was first collected from Laguna de Patos in Venezuela by Franklyn F. Bond in 1937, and rediscovered by Dr. John Endler in 1975. The latter were the first examples of this fish to make it to the aquarium trade. More have been collected since then, notably by Armando Pou, to expand the captive breeding stock. The original Laguna de Patos population is threatened by runoff from a municipal garbage dump. Though it is rare in pet shops, this species is seen occasionally in the aquaria of enthusiasts.

In 2024 P.wingei got taken up on IUCN Red List of endangered species, they are in danger of extinction in the wild, as humans enter their natural habitat, releasing invasive species, polluting and destroying it. Hybridization with released P.reticulata also poses a high risk to them in their natural habitat.

According to Stan Shubel, the author of Aquarium Care for Fancy Guppies, the Endler guppy is, in fact, not a separate species; claiming it has the same genetic makeup as the common guppy, yet is given its own name, Poecilia wingei, for conservation purposes. However, in 2009 S. Schories, M. K. Meyer and M. Schartl published on the basis of molecular data that Poecilia wingei is a separated taxon at the species level from P. reticulata and P. obscura.[3] In 2014 M. Herdegen et al. published a paper[4] that refutes the assertions and conclusions made by S. Schories et al. concerning the status of Poecilia wingei as a species.

Campoma Poecilia wingei

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Poecilia wingei collected from the Campoma bridge location in Venezuela by Phil Voisin (Philderodez)

The first population of Poecilia to be given the name Poecilia wingei was discovered in 2005 in the Campoma region of Venezuela by Fred Poeser and Michael Kempkes.[5] This population of P. wingei can be found in Laguna Campoma and in the lagoon's connected streams.

Most P. wingei from the Campoma region found in the hobby today are descended from those originally collected by Phil Voisin (Philderodez).[citation needed] The most popular collecting site in the Campoma region for P. Wingei has been the Campoma bridge location. P. wingei phenotypes collected from the Campoma bridge location are identified by a numbering system from 1 through 70.[citation needed]

P. wingei from the Campoma region are also known as the Campoma guppy.[5]

Cumana Poecilia wingei

[edit]
Poecilia wingei collected from Laguna Patos in the Cumana region by Armando Pau and line bred to become the black bar phenotype by Adrian Hernandez

Poecilia wingei from the Cumana region were originally known as Endler's guppy. Endler's livebearer, originally discovered in 1975 by John Endler and are found in Laguna Patos and in the lagoon's connected streams and canals, was actually a micropoecilia species that is believed to be extinct. In 2009 the Schories et al. publication[3] broadened the definition of P. Wingei to include Endler's livebearer. Most P. Wingei from the Cumana region found in the hobby today are descended from those collected by Armando Pau and were line bred and distributed to hobbyists by Adrian Hernandez (AdrianHD).[citation needed]

P. Wingei from the Cumana region are also known as the Cumana guppy.[6]

El Tigre Poecilia wingei

[edit]
El Tigre collected from the El Tigre stream in the Campoma region of Venezuela by Phil Voisin (Philderodez)

El Tigre are Poecilia wingei collected from the El Tigre stream in the Campoma region of Venezuela. The El Tigre stream is not connected to Laguna Campoma so the El Tigre belong to their own distinct population. All El Tigre found in the hobby today are descended from those collected by Phil Voisin (Philderodez).[citation needed]

Staeck Endler (hybrid)

[edit]
Staeck Endler (hybrid)

The Staeck guppy was collected by Dr. Wolfgang Staeck in a creek around Laguna de los Patos in Cumana in 2004. Karen Koomans obtained a Staeck guppy male from the Hamburg University and identified it as pure Poecilia reticulata. Karen Koomans crossed this Staeck guppy male with a 'Yellow Top Sword' Endler female. She introduced the new line to the hobby as the 'Hamburg hybrid Endler strain'.[7][8]

Japan blue Endler (hybrid)

[edit]
Japan blue wild type guppy (hybrid)

The original Japan blue wild type guppy was a Poecilia reticulata collected from Lac du Rorata. Lac du Rorota is a reservoir in French Guiana. Karen Koomans received a single male japan blue guppy and crossed it with Cumana Endler females to preserve the strain. Karen Koomans introduced this strain to the hobby as the 'Japan blue wild type guppy'.

Hybrids

[edit]
Comparison of Poecilia Wingei collected from the Campoma bridge location with Poecilia reticulata

Endlers (P. wingei) can be crossed with guppy species (P. reticulata, P. obscura), and the hybrid offspring will be fertile. This is considered to dilute the gene pool and therefore is avoided by fish breeders who wish to maintain pure strains. Avid hobbyists maintain registry records to ensure their Endlers are purebred; undocumented fish sold in pet stores as Endler's livebearers are assumed to have some degree of guppy hybridization. In addition, as P. reticulata has been found in the same bodies of water as P. wingei, natural hybridization may also occur in the wild.[citation needed]

Hybridization with fancy guppy strains (selectively bred P. reticulata) often produces bright and colourful offspring. This has led to some hybrids being selectively bred themselves and becoming so common that they may be sold under any number of names such as peacock, snake, tiger, paradise, fancy, or sword Endler and sometimes as flame tail.

In the aquarium

[edit]

Though Poecilia wingei are hardy and undemanding as far as survival goes, proper aquascaping, diet, water parameters, tank mates, along with many other factors such as male to female ratios will determine the strength and appearance of a line.[9]

Breeding

[edit]

The colors of Endler's livebearer males are very intense, especially the black, orange, and metallic green colors. Their natural patterns are highly variable, though many display a double sword tail. Breeders have developed numerous lines displaying specific patterns and colors, such as red chest, black bar, peacock, yellow sword, etc.

They are prolific breeders like their guppy relatives. They give birth to live young approximately every 23 days. Fry "drops" can range in size from one to 30 babies (or possibly more, depending on several variables, including the age and size of the mother). Their first few hours of life will primarily be spent on the bottom of the tank, where they consume their yolk sacs. At this time they are most vulnerable to predators, including their own mothers and other Endler females (males seem less interested in cannibalism).

The fry can be fed powdered fry food, baby brine shrimp, and crushed flake food. They will also nibble on the layer of algae and microorganisms that forms on aquatic plants. Even adult brine shrimp are not beyond their capability, as several fry will gang up on a brine shrimp their own size and tear it apart.

The males will start to show color in approximately three to four weeks, but it can be several months before they develop the full depth and richness of color that characterizes Endlers. The colors of a male Endler will gradually intensify over the first six months of their lives. Tail extensions similar to that seen in a swordtail are not uncommon, but are much shorter. Most often, what appears to be a sword extension can be seen as intense coloring along the edge of an otherwise transparent tail. While giving the impression of a sword it turns out to just be good coloring.

Females will spend their entire lives with rather unexciting coloring. Depending on their environments, females will range from a pale silver to a dull, dark gold, but have the ability to change their coloring somewhat if they are moved from a light environment to a dark one (or vice versa). When full-grown, adult females can be as much as twice the size of males.

The birth process can be stressful for the females, and some will not survive long after large births. The ones that do not do well will often turn grey and will start to "wither away" until they eventually die, due to the stress.

Etymology

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The specific name of Poecilia wingei honours the Danish biologist Øjvind Winge (1886–1964) who worked extensively on the genetics of Poecilia including this species.[10]

References

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Further reading

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Poecilia wingei

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Poecilia wingei is a small of livebearing in the , endemic to the Paría Peninsula in northeastern . Commonly known as Endler's livebearer or Endler's guppy, it was formally described in and named in honor of Danish biologist Øjvind Winge. The exhibits marked , with males typically measuring up to 2 cm in standard length and displaying vibrant, polychromatic coloration, while females reach about 4 cm and have a more subdued, uniform appearance. Native to freshwater lagoons such as Campoma and Buena Vista, as well as shallow, vegetated estuarine habitats near and Carúpano, P. wingei thrives in tropical, benthopelagic environments with temperatures ranging from 23–28 °C and neutral to slightly alkaline . As an ovoviviparous species, females give birth to live young after internal development, with litters averaging around 17 fries; males mature quickly, reaching in approximately 37 days. The diet consists primarily of small , , and , reflecting its omnivorous nature in these nutrient-rich, algae-abundant waters. Despite its appeal in the aquarium trade due to the males' striking colors, P. wingei is classified as Endangered on the as of March 2021, primarily due to from , , and introduction within its extremely limited range. Conservation efforts focus on protecting its natural lagoons, though the ' wild populations remain precarious, with ongoing emphasizing its ecological role in local aquatic communities.

Taxonomy

Classification

Poecilia wingei belongs to the subgenus Acanthophacelus within the Poecilia in the family and the order . For many years, populations of what is now recognized as P. wingei—commonly known as Endler's livebearer—were regarded as a or geographical variant of the common guppy, Poecilia reticulata. This view persisted until 2005, when Poeser, Kempkes, and Isbrücker formally described it as a distinct species based on morphological examinations from Venezuelan localities. The species status was further substantiated in 2009 by Schories, Meyer, and Schartl through a combination of morphological analyses and molecular phylogenetic data, which delineated P. wingei as a valid, separate entity within the Poecilia genus despite its close affinity to P. reticulata. P. wingei shares a close phylogenetic relationship with P. reticulata, enabling fertile hybridization between the two species in both natural and captive settings. Key morphological distinctions include its generally smaller adult size, with males reaching a standard length of about 20-25 mm compared to 30-40 mm in P. reticulata males, along with differences in gonopodial structure, fin ray counts (e.g., fewer rays), and characteristic color patterns such as bold orange spots bordered by black. These traits, particularly the compact body form and specialized finnage, underscore its taxonomic independence while highlighting its evolutionary proximity to the .

Etymology

The genus name Poecilia is derived from the Greek word poikilos, meaning "variegated," "multicolored," or "spotted," an allusion to the diverse and often vibrant coloration patterns observed in species of this genus. The specific epithet wingei honors the Danish biologist and geneticist Øjvind Winge (1886–1964), who served as head of the Department of Physiology at the Carlsberg Laboratory from 1933 to 1956 and conducted pioneering studies on the genetics of color patterns and sex determination in poeciliid fishes, including extensive breeding experiments with the common guppy (Poecilia reticulata). Poecilia wingei was formally described as a new in 2005 by Frederik N. Poeser, Michael Kempkes, and Isaäc J. H. Isbrücker, based on specimens collected from the Paría Peninsula in , with the name explicitly dedicated to Winge for his foundational contributions to understanding color polymorphism in guppies, which facilitated the recognition of distinct traits in this species.

Description

Physical characteristics

Poecilia wingei is a small livebearing characterized by an elongated, body shape with a rounded caudal . Mature males typically measure 11–15 mm in standard length (SL), while females reach 12–29 mm SL, exhibiting marked in size. The body is slightly stout in males and more slender in females, with the least depth of the caudal peduncle ranging from 10–18% SL in males and 10–16% SL in females. Males possess a specialized anal modified into a gonopodium for , featuring a retrorse hook on ray 5, a fleshy palp on ray 3 that extends beyond the tip, and distinctive dorsal bulbs on ray 4a. Coloration in P. wingei displays pronounced , with males exhibiting vibrant polychromatic patterns that include iridescent spots and markings in black, orange, red, green, and across the body and , often featuring a metallic sheen and a large vertical band in the midsection. Females, in contrast, present a more uniform translucent gray-green to silver-gray or brownish appearance with subtle melanophore markings along scale margins and a slight metallic sheen in live specimens. ray counts include 6–7 dorsal soft rays, 9 anal soft rays, and 12–14 caudal rays, with male caudal sometimes variegated with red or black margins. Scales number 25–27 in the lateral series and 14 around the caudal peduncle. The species possesses well-developed eyes adapted for visual detection in shallow, clear waters, facilitating courtship displays that rely on the males' colorful pigmentation.

Sexual dimorphism

Poecilia wingei exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism in physical characteristics, with males typically smaller in size than females. Morphometric analyses reveal significant differences in total length, body length, weight, pectoral fin length, head length, and eye diameter between the sexes, with females attaining greater overall dimensions to accommodate embryonic development. Males display vibrant, polychromatic coloration featuring iridescent oranges, blues, and reds, which serve as visual signals during courtship, whereas females possess uniform, duller grayish tones that likely aid in camouflage within their natural vegetated habitats. A key morphological distinction in males is the presence of a gonopodium, a specialized formed by the modification of the anal rays (specifically the 3rd, 4th, and 5th rays, featuring spines, hooks, and pulp for transfer). In contrast, female anal fins lack these adaptations and remain unmodified. Mature females also develop a visible gravid spot near the vent, a dark pigmentation resulting from the transparency of the body wall over developing embryos, which becomes prominent during . Behaviorally, males engage in elaborate displays, including sigmoid body bends and fin flaring to showcase their coloration and attract receptive , with older, bolder individuals performing these actions more frequently in association with intense orange pigmentation. These displays facilitate cooperative , though males may also employ coercive sneaking tactics, particularly when young or in competitive settings. Female behavior is generally less overtly aggressive, focusing instead on selective responses to male advances, which helps mitigate energy expenditure in a where males actively compete for access. Reproductively, this dimorphism supports distinct roles: females can store sperm from a single to produce multiple successive broods over several months, enhancing without constant remating, while male through color intensity and display vigor influences mating success and genetic representation in . Brood sizes average around 17 fry, underscoring the adaptive value of in this livebearing species.

Distribution and habitat

Native range

Poecilia wingei is endemic to the in northeastern , restricted to the coastal side of the Cordillera de la Costa mountains, which separate it from the River basin. The species inhabits a limited range, primarily the shallow lagoons, streams, irrigation ditches, and coastal waters around Campoma, extending to Buena Vista and Carúpano. These habitats consist of clear, shallow freshwater to slightly brackish environments, such as Laguna de Patos—the type locality—with maximum depths of about 1.5 m and salinity levels fluctuating between 0 and 15 ppt due to tidal influences and rainfall. Water temperatures typically range from 24–30 °C, with values of 7.5–8.0 and general of 10–30 ; the lagoons support abundant and emergent vegetation, fostering high productivity. The species thrives in warm, vegetated shallows rich in and , reflecting its adaptation to nutrient-laden coastal ecosystems. Microhabitats include dense stands of submerged aquatic plants, which provide essential cover from predators and sites for and amid fluctuating . P. wingei populations are structured as isolated subpopulations within specific drainages, such as those in the Cariaco and San Juan systems, leading to notable —evidenced by 7.83% differentiation at loci and 28.72% at mtDNA—due to geographic barriers like mountain ranges. This isolation contributes to local adaptations and limited among groups.

Conservation status

Poecilia wingei is classified as Endangered on the of Threatened Species following its first assessment in 2024. This designation falls under criterion B1ab(iii,v), reflecting a restricted extent of occurrence combined with observed or projected declines in the quality of its habitat and the number of mature individuals. The species' native habitats on Venezuela's face severe pressures from anthropogenic activities, limiting its distribution to a few fragmented locations. Major threats to P. wingei include and degradation driven by , for , and coastal development. contamination from agricultural runoff and municipal , such as garbage dump affecting sites like Laguna de Patos, further exacerbates habitat loss. Additionally, the introduction of the invasive Poecilia reticulata poses a significant risk through hybridization, resulting in genetic swamping that dilutes the unique of pure P. wingei populations. Wild populations of P. wingei are highly fragmented and showing ongoing declines, with limited surveys indicating small, isolated groups vulnerable to local extirpations. Geopolitical instability in has restricted access to the , hindering comprehensive population monitoring and contributing to knowledge gaps. Conservation efforts focus on protecting remaining s through designated areas in the , though enforcement remains challenging. programs, often supported by aquarists and researchers, aim to maintain pure strains and provide a safeguard against in the wild. Recommendations emphasize restoration, control of , and improved monitoring to support recovery.

Varieties and strains

Wild populations

The wild populations of Poecilia wingei are confined to freshwater habitats in the of northeastern , where distinct strains have evolved due to geographic isolation in separate lagoons and streams, promoting genetic and phenotypic diversity. These populations exhibit significant genetic differentiation, with up to 7.8% variation in loci between nearby drainages like Cariaco and San Juan, reflecting incipient processes despite ongoing . The Campoma strain, originating from the Laguna Campoma and nearby streams in the Campoma region, is characterized by males displaying bold orange spots across the body and edging on the fins, contributing to their polychromatic appearance with a metallic sheen. This strain highlights the species' Y-linked iridescent traits, including longitudinal red bands and stripes that enhance visibility in their shallow, vegetated habitats. In contrast, the Cumana strain from areas near , including lagoons west of the town, features males with prominent metallic green and blue along the body, often accompanied by a smaller overall body size compared to other strains. These reflective blotches, in shades of green, blue, and occasional yellow, are genetically distinct within the Cariaco drainage, underscoring local adaptation to varying and predation pressures. The strain, reported from the El Tigre stream in the Campoma region, stands out with males exhibiting red-orange saddles on the lower body and tiger-like barring patterns that create intricate, striped motifs. These bold markings, combined with neon and highlights, represent a specialized adapted to the stream's dynamic flow and cover. Recent studies as of 2025 confirm ongoing in representations of these wild strains in , supporting efforts to preserve unique traits through . Preservation of pure wild lines faces significant challenges, as natural hybridization with closely related species like Poecilia reticulata in overlapping territories erodes genetic purity, and in the aquarium trade, crossbreeding risks have made unadulterated strains increasingly rare. Efforts to maintain these populations rely on targeted collections and by dedicated aquarists to prevent further dilution of their unique traits.

Hybrids

Poecilia wingei readily hybridizes with the closely related Poecilia reticulata (common ), producing fertile offspring commonly referred to as "Endler guppies" in the aquarium trade. These hybrids inherit vibrant coloration and patterns from both parent , often resulting in enhanced visual appeal compared to pure P. wingei. Notable named hybrid strains include the Staeck Endler, characterized by intense orange and black markings, which originated from specimens collected in Venezuela's Laguna de Los Platos in 2004 and are suspected to be natural crosses. The Blue Endler exhibits a striking metallic sheen, developed through that incorporates P. reticulata . Additional patterns, such as peacock (featuring iridescent eye-like spots) and snake (reticulated, scale-like designs), have emerged from further of these hybrids, amplifying diversity in captive populations. Genetic studies reveal that introgression from P. reticulata into P. wingei populations dilutes wild-type traits, particularly in border areas between their native drainages in northeastern . Molecular analyses using mtDNA and microsatellites indicate ongoing , with hybrid zones near the Cariaco-San Juan drainage boundaries showing attributable to inter-drainage exchange. This hybridization maintains partial but erodes phenotypic distinctions, such as the black crescent markings typical of pure P. wingei, potentially hindering local adaptation. In the aquarium trade, the majority of fish marketed as "Endlers" are actually hybrids with P. reticulata, complicating efforts to preserve pure lineages; breeders rely on pedigree tracking and to identify unhybridized stock. Escaped hybrids pose risks of genetic pollution to wild P. wingei populations, which are already limited to the , potentially leading to loss of through swamping of endemic genes.

History

Discovery

The species Poecilia wingei was first collected in 1937 by biologist and ichthyologist Franklyn F. Bond from Laguna de los Patos, a coastal lagoon near in northeastern . These early specimens, gathered alongside common (Poecilia reticulata), were preserved and deposited in the Museum of Zoology under the label Lebistes reticulatus (the former genus for guppies), leading to their initial misidentification and oversight as a mere variant of the widespread guppy species. This collection occurred amid broader mid-20th-century surveys of poeciliid fishes across , driven by institutions like the New York Zoological Society and involving collectors such as and Bond himself, who documented diverse livebearer populations in Venezuelan coastal and estuarine habitats to map regional ichthyological diversity. Early examinations of the 1937 material highlighted the fish's distinctive male coloration—featuring metallic green bodies, orange spots, and black markings—contrasting with typical P. reticulata patterns, though these traits were attributed to local variation rather than species-level distinction; habitat notes emphasized the shallow, brackish, algae-rich waters of , influencing the observed pigmentation for and signaling. By the 1950s, scattered references in ichthyological literature acknowledged anomalous guppy-like forms from Venezuelan lagoons, but it was not until 1975 that John A. Endler formally recognized P. wingei as a distinct entity during his fieldwork in the same region, based on consistent morphological and color differences from P. reticulata.

Rediscovery and research

Poecilia wingei was rediscovered in 1975 by biologist John A. Endler during fieldwork in the of , where he documented vibrant wild populations in coastal lagoons such as Laguna de Patos. Endler's collections highlighted the species' striking color variations and introduced the first live specimens to the and aquarium trade, sparking renewed interest after its initial obscurity following the 1937 collection. Subsequent research formalized the species' taxonomy and confirmed its distinct status. In 2005, Poeser, Kempkes, and Isbrücker provided the first formal description of P. wingei as a new species within the subgenus Acanthophacelus, distinguishing it from the closely related Poecilia reticulata based on morphological traits like counts and coloration patterns. A 2009 study by Schories, Meyer, and Schartl used sequencing to phylogenetically validate P. wingei as a separate lineage, showing among related species while affirming its species-level distinction. Building on this, Herdegen et al. (2014) analyzed across northeastern Venezuelan sites using mtDNA, microsatellites, and phenotypic data from 519 individuals, revealing and hybridization risks with P. reticulata that could influence incipient . Research has emphasized and evolutionary patterns, particularly male courtship displays and color polymorphisms. Studies have shown that males employ sigmoid displays and coercive tactics influenced by social environment and rival presence, with strategic lateralization enhancing mating success in competitive settings. Color polymorphisms, including orange, , and iridescent patterns, play a key role in and predator avoidance, providing insights into the evolutionary maintenance of variation in poeciliids. Later studies expanded on life history traits, such as maturation and (Košťál et al., 2021), and genetic aspects including Y-chromosome (Boenigk et al., 2022) and hybridization effects on (Vila-Pouca et al., 2024). Recent assessments incorporate updated population data for conservation. The 2024 IUCN Red List evaluation classified P. wingei as Endangered (EN), citing habitat loss and hybridization threats based on new field surveys. Ongoing genetic surveys continue to monitor population structure and risks to inform protective measures.

In captivity

Aquarium care

Poecilia wingei, commonly known as the Endler's livebearer, requires a well-established aquarium that mimics aspects of its natural shallow, vegetated waters while ensuring stable conditions for optimal health. A minimum tank size of 10 gallons is recommended for a small group of 6-9 individuals to allow ample swimming space and reduce stress, though larger setups of 20 gallons or more are ideal for maintaining water quality amid their active nature and prolific reproduction. The tank should be heavily planted with species such as Java fern, water sprite, or hornwort to provide hiding spots and cover, particularly for females and fry, paired with a soft substrate of fine sand or gravel and gentle filtration like a sponge or hang-on-back system to avoid strong currents that could harm smaller individuals. Water parameters must remain stable, with a temperature of 22–28°C (72–82°F), pH between 6.5 and 8.0, and general hardness (dGH) of 10–30 to support their hardiness in moderately hard to hard water conditions similar to their native Venezuelan habitats. A secure lid is essential to prevent jumping, and regular maintenance including 20–30% weekly water changes helps control nitrates below 40 ppm and prevents common issues like algae overgrowth. These fish are omnivorous and thrive on a varied diet to maintain their vibrant colors and vitality. High-quality flakes or pellets form the staple, supplemented 2–3 times daily with small portions of live or frozen foods such as , , or bloodworms, along with blanched vegetables like or for and algae-grazing benefits. Overfeeding should be avoided to prevent and water fouling, with uneaten food removed promptly to sustain clear parameters. As a schooling , Poecilia wingei benefits from group housing to establish a natural and reduce , ideally with a ratio of one to three females to minimize toward females. They are peaceful and compatible with other non-aggressive community fish such as tetras, danios, or , but should be kept away from fin-nippers, large predators, or overly territorial that could disrupt their dynamics. While generally hardy, Poecilia wingei can be susceptible to bacterial infections like or parasitic issues such as ich, especially in suboptimal water conditions or if stressed by poor acclimation. Quarantining new arrivals for 2–4 weeks in a separate tank with similar parameters is crucial to prevent disease introduction, and prompt treatment with appropriate medications like salt baths or ich remedies can resolve most issues when detected early through regular observation. Sourcing pure strains is important to preserve genetic integrity, as hybrids with common guppies (Poecilia reticulata) are prevalent; opt for certified "N Class" or wild-type lineages from reputable breeders rather than pet stores, where crossbreeding is common. Wild-caught specimens from are rarely available due to the species' Endangered status under the (assessed 2024), stemming from habitat loss and overcollection concerns, emphasizing the need for captive-bred stock to support conservation efforts.

Breeding

Poecilia wingei is an ovoviviparous livebearer, meaning females give birth to live young after internal development of embryos nourished by yolk sacs within the . The period typically lasts 23–28 days, depending on environmental factors such as temperature and nutrition. Females can produce 10–30 fry per brood, with an average litter size of approximately 17 individuals, and may have multiple broods throughout the year under favorable conditions. Mating involves facilitated by the male's specialized anal fin, known as the gonopodium, which is used to transfer directly into the female's genital opening. displays are common, where males exhibit vibrant colors and perform sigmoid-shaped body movements to attract receptive females, often chasing them in a display of agility. These behaviors are more pronounced in bolder, larger, and more colorful males, though alternative coercive tactics like gonopodial thrusts (sneaking) also occur, particularly in younger individuals. Newborn fry are fully formed and independent at birth, measuring about 7–8 mm in length, but they require immediate separation from adults to avoid cannibalism, as parents and other fish readily consume them. Initial feeding for fry should consist of infusoria, baby brine shrimp, or finely crushed flake food to support rapid growth, transitioning to standard fish flakes as they develop. Without prompt isolation in a breeding trap or separate tank, fry mortality rates can exceed 90%. Selective breeding in captivity focuses on enhancing desirable traits such as vivid color patterns in lines, achieved by pairing virgin females with males exhibiting superior coloration and form. Breeders track pedigrees across generations (e.g., F1 to F3) to maintain strain purity, periodically crossing distinct lines to prevent while selecting the best offspring for continuation. This methodical approach helps stabilize traits like orange spots or metallic sheens without compromising genetic health. Key challenges in breeding include the high risk of fry loss due to predation if not separated promptly and the potential for unintended hybridization in mixed-species tanks, as P. wingei readily interbreeds with closely related poeciliids like guppies, diluting pure strains. Maintaining separate colonies and vigilant monitoring are essential to mitigate these issues.

References

  1. https://www.fishbase.se/summary/Poecilia-wingei.html
  2. https://brill.com/view/journals/ctoz/74/1-2/article-p97_7.xml
  3. https://www.seriouslyfish.com/species/poecilia-wingei/
  4. http://www.viviparos.com/Fichas/Endler%20eng.htm
  5. https://www.bioflux.com.ro/docs/2021.1727-1733.pdf
  6. https://www.aquariumsource.com/endlers-livebearer/
  7. https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/177429528/177429532
  8. https://www.fishbase.se/summary/Poecilia-wingei
  9. https://pr.bioflux.com.ro/docs/2022.29-33.pdf
  10. https://www.biotaxa.org/Zootaxa/article/view/zootaxa.2266.1.2
  11. https://academic.oup.com/evolut/article/76/12/2864/6975935
  12. https://etyfish.org/cyprinodontiformes4/
  13. https://repository.naturalis.nl/pub/214343/CtZ74_1-2_097-116.pdf
  14. https://repository.naturalis.nl/document/43080
  15. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6084590/
  16. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/321162133_Sexual_dimorphism_in_Endler%27s_guppies_Poecilia_wingei_-_morphometric_analysis
  17. https://www.fishbase.se/references/FBRefSummary.php?ID=57924
  18. https://bioflux.com.ro/docs/2021.1727-1733.pdf
  19. https://reichardlab.eu/pdf/MR95.pdf
  20. https://www.mapress.com/zootaxa/2009/f/zt02266p050.pdf
  21. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3942120/
  22. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2024-1.RLTS.T177429528A177429532.en
  23. https://x.com/PetAgeMag/status/1927493775019942015
  24. https://earthpedia.earth.com/animal-encyclopedia/chordata/poeciliidae/poecilia-wingei/
  25. https://sdgsreview.org/LifestyleJournal/article/view/7316
  26. https://www.zoochat.com/community/threads/iucn-red-list-update-june-2024.491112/
  27. https://sdgsreview.org/LifestyleJournal/article/download/7316/3075/20124
  28. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/254912176_Description_of_Poecilia_Acanthophacelus_wingei_n_sp_from_Paria_Peninsula_Venezuela_including_notes_on_Acanthophacelus_Eigenmann_1907_and_other_subgenera_of_Poecilia_Bloch_and_Schneider_1801_Teleostei_
  29. https://bmcecolevol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1471-2148-14-28
  30. https://pr.bioflux.com.ro/docs/2013.22-39.pdf
  31. https://animalia.bio/poecilia-wingei
  32. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/385979026_Life_history_traits_of_Endler%27s_fish_Poecilia_wingei
  33. https://martysfish.com/staeck-endlers/
  34. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1Jb3F0lyMg
  35. https://martysfish.com/n-class-orchid-endler-unique-snakeskin-pattern/
  36. https://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/features/endlers-livebearers-are-nearly-all-hybrids/
  37. https://www.colorado.edu/ebio/2014/01/08/mate-choice-and-hybridization-comparing-endlers-guppy-poecilia-wingei-and-common-guppy
  38. https://www.thekrib.com/Fish/p-endlers.html
  39. https://repository.si.edu/bitstream/handle/10088/16497/USNMP-99_3235_1949.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y
  40. https://encycloquaria.com/misc/library/books/general/klee/guppy_3rd_edition.pdf
  41. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0003347212001893
  42. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8997885/
  43. https://hal.science/hal-04703125v1
  44. https://www.aquariumcoop.com/blogs/aquarium/endlers-livebearer-care-guide
  45. https://aquariumbreeder.com/endlers-detailed-guide-care-diet-and-breeding/
  46. http://www.aquaworldaquarium.com/articles/EndlersLivebearer.html
  47. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/eth.12491
  48. https://martysfish.com/how-to-line-breed-endlers/
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