The Santa Maria, a selectively bred variation of the Endler's Livebearer (Poecilia wingei), is a captivating and visually striking freshwater fish known for its vibrant coloration and small size. This species is a popular choice among aquarium enthusiasts, adding beauty and activity to nano and community aquariums.
Specifications:
- Average Size: 1 inch
- Max Size: Up to 1 inch
- Tank Size Required: 5 gallons or larger (nano setup)
Temperament: The Santa Maria Endler is known for its peaceful and sociable nature, making it suitable for community aquariums. They do well in groups, and their active swimming behavior adds liveliness to the aquarium.
Unique Traits: Distinguished by its jet-black body coloration with vibrant red/orange accents resembling flames, the Black Fire Endler is a visually striking fish. It has a streamlined body typical of endlers, and the males often display elaborate fin patterns.
Origin: The Endler's Livebearer, including the selectively bred Santa Maria variation, is native to freshwater streams in Venezuela.
Other Names:
- Santa Maria Endler
- Poecilia wingei (scientific name)
Care Level: Easy
Diet: The Santa Maria Endler is an omnivore, and its diet should include high-quality flakes, small pellets, and occasional live or frozen foods like daphnia or brine shrimp. They benefit from a varied diet to maintain optimal health and coloration.
Characteristics and Looks: TheSanta Maria Endler is characterized by its jet-black body coloration, often with fiery red/orange markings on the tail and fins. Males may display elaborate fin patterns to attract females. Females are generally less colorful.
Water Parameters:
- pH: 7.0-8.0
- gH (General Hardness): 10-20 dGH
- kH (Carbonate Hardness): 6-12 dKH
- Temperature: 72-82°F
Disclaimer: "Please note that these are general guidelines, and for more accurate values, we encourage you to contact Living Aquarium by phone or in person. Within store hours, our team of experts is always happy to answer any questions you may have and provide personalized guidance on care."