Endlers Vs Guppies: Quick Identification Guide

Endlers and guppies are often confused with one another due to their similar appearances, but there are some distinct differences between them.

Endlers (Poecilia wingei) and guppies (Poecilia reticulata) are both small, freshwater fish that are popular in home aquariums due to their vibrant colours and patterns. However, male Endlers tend to have brighter and more intense colours than male guppies, with metallic orange or green shades being particularly unique to the species. Endlers also tend to be smaller and more streamlined, with thinner body shapes and more modest fin shapes.

The two species also exhibit different behaviours. Endlers are very active swimmers and tend to use every part of the tank, whereas guppies are more laid-back in their movements. Endlers also tend to school more tightly than guppies.

In terms of care, Endlers are hardier than guppies and can tolerate a wider range of water conditions. They also require a tank with denser vegetation and more hiding spots, as they are more agile and enjoy playing in the water.

Male colouring

Male Endlers have intense, vibrant colours. They usually have colour blocks in orange, black, blue, and green. Some Endlers have white or very light blue dorsal fins, and some have a swordtail. The swordtail is usually just a colour within the caudal fin, but sometimes it grows outside the caudal fin. The swordtail can be grown longer with selective breeding.

Male guppies, on the other hand, can be virtually any colour, which can be arranged in spots, stripes, or blotches. Orange, blue, violet, green, black, and white are common colours.

Male Endlers are markedly smaller than female Endlers, and are vibrantly coloured in myriad metallic and neon shades. Male guppies are also usually smaller than female guppies, and are more colourful than their female counterparts.

Body shape

The body shape of Endlers and guppies is noticeably different. Guppies are larger than Endlers, with males reaching up to 1.5 inches and females growing to almost two and a half inches long. Endlers, on the other hand, have males that reach up to 1 inch and females that reach 1.8 inches.

Guppies have stocky bodies compared to Endlers, which have slim and streamlined bodies. This difference in body shape is most noticeable where the body meets the tail. Endlers have thinner caudal peduncles, while guppies are stockier in this area. Endlers tend to have a more slender profile and a gracefully curved dorsal line.

Guppies often have larger, more flamboyant fins, especially in selectively bred males with expansive caudal fins. Endlers, on the other hand, have smaller, more restrained fins that align closely with their natural, wild-type appearance.

Tail shape

The tail shape is one of the most noticeable differences between Endlers and guppies. Male guppies have a rounded tail, which can vary in length, while female guppies have a shorter, rounded tail with very little colour.

Female Endlers have small, transparent tails, while male Endlers have exotic-looking tails that can appear to be made up of two smaller fins, with the lower part being longer and looking like a spike. The tail of a male Endler often has a small sword on the caudal fin, which is mostly just a colouration inside the fin. However, the sword can grow outside the caudal fin and can be made to grow longer with selective breeding.

Gravid spot

The gravid spot is a distinctive feature found only on female fish that bear live young. It is a dark spot on the skin of the female fish, located over her womb. This spot is an indicator of pregnancy in live-bearing fish species, and its presence and size can provide information about the fish's reproductive status.

When comparing Endlers and guppies, one of the key differences lies in the size and appearance of their gravid spots. Endlers have a smaller gravid spot that is less prominent, not extending as far up towards the flanks when compared to guppies. On the other hand, guppies possess a larger gravid spot that is more noticeable and extends further up the flanks of the fish.

It is important to note that the presence of a gravid spot does not always indicate that the fish is pregnant or about to give birth. In some cases, the spot may be visible even when the fish is not gravid. Additionally, the visibility of the gravid spot can vary, sometimes being more pronounced and other times being less noticeable, regardless of the reproductive status of the fish.

The gravid spot is just one of the several differences between Endlers and guppies. While they share similarities in their vibrant colours and live-bearing nature, they differ in size, body shape, colour patterns, fin shapes, behaviour, and reproductive habits. Endlers are typically smaller, more streamlined, and exhibit wilder colour patterns, while guppies showcase a broader range of selectively bred hues and more flamboyant fins.

Gonopodium

The gonopodium is a modified anal fin that allows male fish of the families Anablepidae and Poeciliidae to reproduce. It is a thin rod-like structure that the male fish can use to briefly hook into the vent of a female fish to deposit sperm. The gonopodium is typically held back and turned down and forward just before mating.

The gonopodium is the male sexual organ used to impregnate female fish. Endlers have one small hook on their gonopodium, while guppies have several hooks. The gonopodium is used by both Endlers and guppies during their distinct mating rituals. Guppies engage in elaborate displays, with males flaunting their vibrant fins to attract females. Endlers, on the other hand, are more direct and often resort to swift pursuits. Despite these differences, both species share livebearing reproduction with similar gestation periods, typically spanning 21 to 30 days.

Frequently asked questions