Endler's Livebearer Complete Catalog | Comprehensive Guide to All Varieties and Strains from N-Class to P-Class and Hybrids | ブリちょく
Tropical Fish| ✍️ BreederDirect Editorial
Endler's Livebearer Complete Catalog | Comprehensive Guide to All Varieties and Strains from N-Class to P-Class and Hybrids
The definitive catalog covering all Endler's Livebearer varieties and strains from N-Class and P-Class through K-Class, X-Class, and hybrids. Detailed explanations of each class definition, representative color patterns, sourcing methods, and tips for maintaining pure bloodlines.
Key Takeaways
The definitive catalog covering all Endler's Livebearer varieties and strains from N-Class and P-Class through K-Class, X-Class, and hybrids. Detailed explanations of each class definition, representative color patterns, sourcing methods, and tips for maintaining pure bloodlines.
What Are Endler's Livebearers
Endler's Livebearer (Poecilia wingei) is a small livebearing fish native to the vicinity of Laguna de Patos in Venezuela. A close relative of the Guppy (Poecilia reticulata), it is beloved by aquarists worldwide for the brilliant color patterns of males and their hardy constitution.
Although wild specimens were first scientifically described by Dr. John Endler in 1975, the species didn't gain popularity in the hobby until the 2000s. Today, numerous color variations and a "class system" have been established, with international standards set for maintaining and proving the purity of bloodlines.
Basic Specifications
Item
Details
Scientific Name
Poecilia wingei
Male Length
Approx. 2–3 cm
Female Length
Approx. 3–4.5 cm
Lifespan
2–3 years
Water Temperature
22–28°C
Water Parameters
pH 7.0–8.5 (prefers slightly hard water)
Gestation Cycle
Approx. 23–28 days
✍️
BreederDirect Editorial
The BreederDirect editorial team specializes in care information for animals, covering veterinary care and breeding to deliver beginner-friendly guides.
Find Tropical Fish on BreederDirect
Buy directly from verified breeders
Browse Related Listings
Find Tropical Fish listings related to this article on BreederDirect. Buy directly from verified breeders.
Endler's Livebearers are managed within the hobby using a "class system" designed to maintain bloodline purity. This system, primarily established by AECA (Endler's Livebearer Association), ensures transparency in lineage documentation.
Four Major Classes
N-Class (N = Natural)
Purebred specimens originating from Laguna de Patos or their descendants, with no history of cross-breeding with other species and commanding the highest value. Only individuals with documented pure management over multiple generations are recognized as N-Class in the hobby. This is the most highly valued category among collectors.
P-Class (P = Pure)
Maintained through breeding of purebred Endler's to purebred Endler's, but lacking direct connection to or proof of linkage to wild populations. Most "pure Endler's" maintained by breeders fall into this category.
K-Class (K = Known Cross)
Individuals with documented and disclosed cross-breeding with other species such as Guppies. Despite resembling Endler's in appearance, hybridization is explicitly stated.
X-Class (X = Unknown)
Individuals with unknown lineage, lacking documented breeding history and unable to prove purity. Many specimens sold in pet shops fall into this category.
---
Major N-Class Strains
N-Class is subdivided into numerous strains based on specific collection locations in Laguna de Patos, collection years, and collector lineages. Here are the major strains:
Endler's Original (El Tigre Strain)
The original wild-caught strain from the El Tigre region of Laguna de Patos. Features a classic color combination where orange, black, and metallic blue-green blend vividly. Known for strong contrast and representing one of the most primitively beautiful strains.
Laguna de Patos Strains (Multiple Locations)
Color patterns vary by collection location, with subtle differences such as red-dominant, orange-dominant, and blue-metallic-dominant strains. Even within N-Class, appearance varies considerably between strains.
Endler's Black Bar
A strain characterized by broad black bars spanning from the dorsal to ventral regions. Orange and yellow contrast highlights the bars beautifully. One of the most popular N-Class strains available.
---
Representative P-Class Color Patterns
P-Class has undergone extensive selective breeding by breeders, resulting in diverse color variations.
Snake Skin
Features fine, snake skin-like patterns spreading across the body. Characteristic of a mosaic-like combination of orange and black, making it one of the most popular patterns.
Star of India
A pattern featuring star-shaped or polygonal spots appearing on the posterior body side. Beautiful contrast between silver and color.
Salmon
Overall soft coloration in salmon pink to orange tones. Warm strain with red pigmentation distributed throughout the body.
Coral
Colors in coral pink to orange-red tones. Many individuals show color extending into the fins.
Blue Grass
A strain featuring blue mosaic patterns on the posterior portion. Although resembling Guppy Blue Grass coloration, it retains the characteristic vibrance of Endler's.
Double Sword
Individuals with symmetrically extended upper and lower caudal lobes (double sword tail). Though frequently obtained through Guppy cross-breeding (common in K-Class), fixed P-Class strains also exist.
Gold Glitter
A strain with gold iridescent glitter (rainbow sheen) covering the entire body. Attractive for its color-shifting beauty under varying light conditions.
Tuxedo
Endler's with a "tuxedo" pattern featuring black coloration in the posterior body. Beautiful contrast with the colors of the anterior portion.
---
Hybrids (Endler's × Guppy)
Endler's and Guppies are capable of interbreeding, and their offspring (K-Class) may possess beautiful colors combining characteristics of both parents. In the hobby, these are sometimes deliberately marketed as "Endler's Hybrids."
Characteristics of Hybrids
Typically larger body size than pure Endler's
Some individuals develop large fins similar to Guppies
Colors often exhibit complex patterns combining characteristics of both parents
Avoided by purist collectors but valued by those seeking aesthetic beauty
---
Tips for Maintaining Pure Bloodlines
Strict management is required to preserve the purity of N-Class and P-Class lines.
Fundamentals of Bloodline Management
Separate Male and Female Tanks
Endler's have extremely high reproductive rates. Once bred, females can store sperm internally and produce multiple broods independently (sperm storage can persist 3–6 months). Therefore, when introducing females, confirm they are virgins or manage them separately until fry from previous broods mature.
Prevent Class Mixing
Manage N-Class and P-Class in separate tanks; co-habitation compromises lineage. Maintain strict labeling and keep separate tanks for each strain.
Selection and Line Breeding
To maintain beautiful color patterns, select individuals with superior coloration and morphology each generation for breeding. Particularly for N-Class, periodically refresh bloodlines with stock from top collectors to preserve original characteristics.
---
Sourcing Methods and Price Ranges
Choosing a Source
Direct from Breeders
Purchasing directly from established breeders is the most reliable way to obtain N-Class or P-Class individuals with clear classification and strain documentation. The primary advantage is access to lineage certificates and strain provenance.
Specialty Shops
Shops specializing in Endler's can provide reasonably well-managed specimens. However, management standards vary by retailer.
Auctions and Events
Aquatic plant and tropical fish auction events sometimes feature rare N-Class strains. Verifying seller credibility is essential.
Price Range Guidelines
Category
Price (per male)
X-Class (general pet shops)
¥200–500
P-Class (standard breeder stock)
¥500–2,000
N-Class (managed pure strains)
¥2,000–8,000
N-Class rare strains/direct imports
¥5,000–20,000+
---
Care and Breeding Tips
Endler's are easy to keep, manageable in tanks of 20–30L or larger. Fry are free-swimming immediately after birth and grow rapidly on brine shrimp nauplii or finely crushed flake foods.
When breeding, provide abundant plants (willow moss, guppy grass, etc.) to create hiding places for fry and reduce predation by adults. For bloodline maintenance, set up dedicated breeding tanks and manage pairs separately.
The appeal of Endler's lies in their diverse color variations and the joy of creating your own unique strain through breeding. Understanding the class system, decide where you place value—purity, collection, or beauty—and enjoy your own Endler's journey.
