TIGER ENDLER | POECILIA WINGEI

The Tiger Endler (Poecilia wingei) is a striking and energetic livebearer known for its vivid coloration and bold black striping reminiscent of a tiger’s pattern. A selectively bred variation of the pure Endler’s Livebearer, this fish features a shimmering metallic body—typically orange, yellow, or neon green—with sharp vertical black bars and accents of red, blue, or turquoise. The combination of glowing color and high contrast makes the Tiger Endler one of the most visually exciting nano fish in the aquarium hobby.

Adult males reach about 1 inch (2.5 cm) and display the strongest striping and brightest colors, while females grow to around 1.5 inches (3.5 cm) and have a more subdued silver or golden appearance. Despite their small size, Tiger Endlers are incredibly active, constantly swimming, displaying, and socializing throughout the tank.

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

Tank setup:
Tiger Endlers thrive in well-planted aquariums with clean, stable water and gentle filtration. A 10-gallon or larger tank is ideal for a small group or breeding colony. Provide open swimming areas and plants like Java Moss, Hornwort, or Water Sprite to offer cover and hiding spots for fry. Since they are livebearers, females can give birth every 3–4 weeks, and dense plant cover helps protect the young from being eaten.

Diet:
These fish are omnivores that do best on a varied diet. Offer high-quality micro-pellets or flakes daily, along with live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, or bloodworms to enhance color intensity. Supplement with spirulina-based foods or blanched vegetables for added nutrition and vibrant pigmentation.

Temperament and tankmates:
Tiger Endlers are peaceful, curious, and social, making them excellent for community aquariums. Ideal tankmates include guppies, platies, rasboras, ricefish, tetras, and corydoras. Avoid aggressive or large fish that could intimidate or outcompete them.

In summary, the Tiger Endler (Poecilia wingei) is a lively, colorful, and hardy nano fish that brings a flash of wild beauty to any freshwater aquarium. Its tiger-striped pattern, brilliant neon hues, and playful behavior make it a standout choice for aquarists who enjoy small, active fish with big visual impact and personality.