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endlershybrid (15092970)

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Endler's hybridisation and hybrid strain creation

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Endler's livebearers hybridisation

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This community is dedicated to discussion of Endler's Livebearer/Guppy or Poecilia wingei/Poecilia reticulata hybrids. These are the so-called K-class Endler's.

Endler's Livebearer was discovered in 1937 by Franklyn F. Bond, in northeastern Venezuela. Remaining unknown to anyone else, they were later rediscovered by John Endler in 1975.

Endler's Livebearer is a very close relative to the guppy. There is still much debate over whether it is actually a variant of a guppy, or a new species. This is a very attractive and colourful fish. It usually contains bright orange and green, yellow or black markings.

Endler's livebearers are hardy and undemanding in the aquarium though they prefer hard, warm water. The warmer the water, the faster they will grow; however this also seems to shorten their lifespan. They can be kept at 18-29C (66-82F), but their optimum temperature seems to be 24-27C. This is slightly higher than their guppy cousins which prefer 23-25C. They do best if kept in tanks with plants (preferably live, but fake will do) to give them hiding places and (although they may be less likely than guppies to eat their own young) give the fry a better chance at survival. Some of them are determinedly suicidal jumpers, so a cover on the tank is a must.

Endler's can be crossed with guppies and the Hybrid (biology)/hybrid offspring are fertile. Many fish sold in pet stores as Endler's livebearers are actually these hybrids. Some breeders are intentionally hybridising Endler's with fancy guppies to create fish with the characteristics of both. In addition, as reticulata has been found in the same bodies of water as wingei, it is possible that natural hybridisation may also occur in the wild.

There are several classes in Endler's:
Class N: Any Endler's Livebearer (and progeny) that can be shown to have originated from their native waters in Venezuela will be considered a 'Class N' Endler.

Class P: Any fish of unknown origin but appearing to be an Endler's Livebearer based on the characteristics of size, shape and color will be considered a 'Class P' Endler.

Class K: The progeny of any Endler's Livebearer crossed with any other livebearer will be considered a 'Class K' Endler.

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