CALICO ENDLER | POECILIA WINGEI

The Calico Endler (Poecilia wingei) is a vibrant and beautifully patterned nano fish that combines splashes of orange, black, yellow, and iridescent blue or green in a unique “calico” mosaic pattern. Each individual features its own variation of spots, streaks, and color blends—no two fish are ever exactly alike. This makes the Calico Endler a favorite among aquarists who appreciate natural variety and lively color in their aquariums. Compact, active, and full of personality, these fish bring endless motion and visual appeal to community and nano setups.

Adult males stay small, typically around 1 inch (2.5 cm), and display the most vivid color combinations, while females reach up to 1.5 inches (3.5 cm) and are more silver or gold with subtle patterning. Though small, they are hardy, prolific, and easy to care for—perfect for beginners and advanced aquarists alike.

Ideal water parameters:
Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C)
pH: 6.8–8.0
Hardness: 8–20 dGH

Tank setup:
Calico Endlers thrive in well-planted aquariums with gentle filtration and stable, clean water. A 10-gallon tank or larger is ideal for a small group or breeding colony. Provide open swimming space along with fine-leaved plants such as Java Moss, Hornwort, or Water Sprite to give fry shelter and reduce stress. As livebearers, females can produce fry every 3–4 weeks, and dense plant cover greatly increases fry survival.

Diet:
These Endlers are omnivorous and thrive on a balanced, high-quality diet. Feed them fine flakes or micro-pellets as a staple, and supplement with frozen or live foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms to enhance coloration and vitality. Vegetable-based foods such as spirulina flakes help promote health and bring out their iridescent tones.

Temperament and tankmates:
Calico Endlers are peaceful, curious, and highly social. They thrive in small groups and do well with other gentle species such as guppies, platies, rasboras, ricefish, tetras, and corydoras. Avoid large or aggressive tankmates that might outcompete or harass them.

In summary, the Calico Endler (Poecilia wingei) is a lively, colorful, and hardy livebearer that brings a natural, kaleidoscopic beauty to any freshwater aquarium. With its ever-changing mix of bright colors, peaceful temperament, and easy care requirements, it’s a perfect choice for aquarists who want small, active fish with big visual impact.