Red Chest Black Flame Endler ( male )

Red Chest Black Flame Endler – Freshwater Livebearer Overview

he Red Chest Black Flame Endler (Poecilia wingei) is a vibrant, tank-bred livebearer prized for its bright red chest and striking black markings, sometimes with fiery orange or red fins. Peaceful, active, and hardy, this fish is ideal for nano and community aquariums. The Red Chest Black Flame Endler thrives in planted tanks and adds brilliant color and movement in groups of 6 or more.

Appearance & Coloration

Males display intense red or orange chests with black "saddle" markings and fiery fin accents. Females are plainer but have a dark spot near the tail, adding subtle contrast in the aquarium. The combination of colors makes this strain a favorite for hobbyists and collectors.

Key physical traits:

Bright red/orange chest

Black saddle or bar markings on males

Fiery red/orange fin accents

Small, compact body ideal for nano tanks

Behavior & Social Habits

The Red Chest Black Flame Endler is peaceful, active, and enjoys schooling. Keep them in groups of at least 6–10 fish for natural behavior and stress reduction. Compatible with other small, calm species, but fry may be eaten by adults if hiding spots are limited.

Behavior highlights:

Peaceful community fish

Active schooling/shoaling behavior

Best kept in groups for social display

Fry require dense plants for protection

Tank Environment & Water Conditions

This strain thrives in planted aquariums with hiding spaces and open swimming areas. Adults may jump, so a tight-fitting lid is recommended. They prefer warmer, slightly harder water with stable conditions to maintain health and vibrant coloration.

Recommended tank setup:

Heavily planted aquarium with cover for fry

Open swimming space

Tight lid or water level reduction

Clean, stable water conditions

Water parameters:

Temperature: 76–80°F (24–27°C)

pH: 7.0–8.0

Hardness: Moderate to hard

Minimum tank size: 10 gallons

Feeding & Diet

The Red Chest Black Flame Endler is an omnivore and thrives on a varied diet. Feed high-quality flakes, micro pellets, and live or frozen foods for optimal growth, coloration, and activity.

Diet options:

High-quality flakes and micro pellets

Live/frozen brine shrimp or daphnia

Bloodworms or finely chopped foods