What size tank do Endler's livebearers need?
At least 5 gallons (20 liters) for a group of 3. The smallest standard tank that works is the 5 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable. We give the size for an adult fish in a proper group, because the small fish in the shop will grow. Scientific name: Poecilia wingei.
How many Endler's livebearers in each tank size?
This is how many each standard tank carries comfortably if Endler's livebearers are the only fish in it. Share the tank with other species and the number goes down.
| Tank | How many Endler's livebearers |
|---|---|
| 5 gallon | up to 5 |
| 10 gallon | up to 9 |
| 20 gallon long | up to 19 |
| 29 gallon | up to 27 |
| 40 gallon breeder | up to 38 |
| 55 gallon | up to 52 |
| 75 gallon | 60 or more |
| 125 gallon | 60 or more |
Check Endler's livebearers against your own tank and other fish
Good to know
- Keep at least 3. In smaller numbers they are stressed, or one gets picked on.
Tank mates for Endler's livebearers
These animals like the same water, are a safe size, and have a temper that fits. It is a match on paper: always watch new tankmates for the first week.
- Neon tetra
- Ember tetra
- Celestial pearl danio
- Pygmy corydoras
- Platy
- Glowlight tetra
- Black neon tetra
- Harlequin rasbora
Poor matches
- Angelfish: Angelfish (about 6 in) can eat Endler's livebearer (about 1.2 in).
- Fancy goldfish: Goldfish do best with other fancy goldfish.
- Oscar: Oscar is aggressive and will bully or kill peaceful fish such as Endler's livebearer.
Questions and answers
What size tank do Endler's livebearers need?
At least 5 gallons (20 liters) for a group of 3. The smallest standard tank that works is the 5 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.
How many Endler's livebearers should be kept together?
At least 3. Endler's livebearers are social animals and only behave naturally in a group. More is better if the tank has room.
Can Endler's livebearers live in a 10 gallon tank?
Yes. A 10 gallon tank carries up to about 9 as the only fish in the tank.
What temperature do Endler's livebearers need?
72–82 °F (22–28 °C), with a pH of 7–8.2. In most homes that means a heater.
Can Endler's livebearers live with a betta?
Usually, yes, in a tank of 10 gallons (38 liters) or more. They like the same water: 75–82 °F (24–28 °C). Every betta has its own temper, so watch closely for the first week and have a spare tank ready.
More fish
Adult size, tank size and water ranges follow the mainstream care consensus (Seriously Fish species profiles and FishBase maximum lengths). Where sources differ we use the more cautious figure. Stocking numbers come from our stocking calculator.