Fish comparison
Endler's Livebearer vs Guppy
How the Endler's Livebearer and Guppy compare on care, size, water and temperament, and which fish suits your tank.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated
TL;DR, Endler's Livebearer vs Guppy
The Endler's Livebearer and the Guppy are close cousins, both in the Poecilia group, so at a glance they ask for a lot of the same things. Both are happy somewhere around 22 to 28 °C and pH 7 to 8, so a single tank can suit either one. Neither is harder than the other to keep, so the choice comes down to look and stocking rather than skill. If tank space is tight, the Endler's Livebearer needs less room to feel settled; give the Guppy the nod when you have the litres to spare.
Group compatibility overview
Excellent fit
Every key parameter overlaps and no major conflicts surfaced.
1 note
Temperature
- Endler's Livebearer22–28 °C
- Guppy22–28 °C
pH
- Endler's Livebearer7–8.5
- Guppy6.8–8
Hardness
- Endler's Livebearer8–25 dGH
- Guppy8–25 dGH
What to plan for
- No bottom teamNo bottom-dwelling fish or shrimp. A small group of corydoras or a shrimp colony picks up leftover food and keeps detritus in check.
Full attributes
Every parameter, side by side| Parameter |  FishEndler's LivebearerPoecilia wingei |  FishGuppyPoecilia reticulata |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Fish | Fish |
| Origin | Laguna de Patos, Venezuela | Northeastern South America, naturalised globally |
| Family | Poeciliidae | Poeciliidae |
| Temperature | 22–28 °C | 22–28 °C |
| pH | 7.0–8.5 | 6.8–8.0 |
| Hardness (dGH) | 8–25 | 8–25 |
| Flow rate | Low | Low to Medium |
| Min tank | 40 L | 45 L |
| Adult size | 2.5–4 cm | 3–6 cm |
| Difficulty | 1 / 5 | 1 / 5 |
| Lifespan | 2–3 yrs | 1–2 yrs |
| Diet | Omnivore | Omnivore |
| Water column | Mid to Top | Mid to Top |
| Schooling | Loose group | No (live in groups) |
| Plant safe | Yes | Yes |
| Shrimp safe | Yes (adult shrimp) | Yes (with adults; may eat shrimplets) |
Frequently asked questions
Direct answers to the questions search engines and AI assistants surface most often about this species.
Can you keep Endler's Livebearer and Guppy together?
Yes. Their temperature and pH ranges overlap around 22 to 28 °C and pH 7 to 8, so one set of water conditions keeps both comfortable. Match group sizes and cover the usual planted-tank basics and they share a tank fine.
Which is easier to keep, the Endler's Livebearer or the Guppy?
They sit at the same care level, both very easy, so neither is the obvious beginner pick. The decision is really about the look you're after.
Do Endler's Livebearer and Guppy need the same water?
Close to it. Aim for 22 to 28 °C and pH 7 to 8 and you're in the shared sweet spot for both. Full ranges are in the table above.
What's the main difference between the Endler's Livebearer and the Guppy?
Space. The Endler's Livebearer wants about 40 litres minimum and the Guppy around 45, so tank size can settle it.