Santa Maria Bleeding Heart Endler (Poecilia wingei) Pair

Common Name

Santa Maria Bleeding Heart Endler

Origin and Habitat

Wild Poecilia wingei are native to the Campoma and Paria regions of northeastern Venezuela, inhabiting warm, clear to tea-stained creeks and ditches with gentle flow and dense vegetation. Water is typically hard and alkaline with good oxygenation from plants. The Santa Maria Bleeding Heart is a selectively bred domestic line known for its jet-black upper body and vivid red-to-orange “bleeding heart” belly patch. Some trade strains may carry historic guppy influence—keep this line labeled and avoid casual mixing to preserve the classic look.

Temperature and Water Conditions

Preferred range: 74–80 °F (23–27 °C); tolerates 72–82 °F (22–28 °C) with high oxygen. Wild waters are hard and alkaline (pH 7.0–8.2). In aquaria, stability is far more important than exact wild parameters. Use seasoned sponge filtration, modest flow, good surface movement, and regular partial water changes. Add a small amount of crushed coral or a mineral block if your source water is very soft.

Appearance and Size

Males are tiny and spectacular: deep black dorsum from snout to tail base with a bright red-to-orange “bleeding heart” patch on the belly and lower flank, often edged by metallic yellow in the fins.

• Males: 2.5–3 cm (1–1.25 in)
• Females: 3.5–4.5 cm (1.5–1.75 in), silver-olive with gravid spot

Color intensity improves with live foods, calm lighting, and dark substrate.

Diet in the Wild

Omnivorous micro-grazers—feed on filamentous algae, diatoms, biofilm, tiny crustaceans, insect larvae, and plankton.

Feeding in Captivity

Staple: high-quality micro-pellet or fine flake. Regularly supplement with baby brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops, chopped bloodworms, spirulina flake, and occasional blanched greens. Feed small portions 2–3 times daily so food is consumed quickly.

Behavior and Tank Setup

Active, peaceful, and highly social—perfect for planted nano tanks (10–20 gallons).

• Dense fine-leaved plants, moss, floating cover, open display lanes
• Fine gravel or sand substrate
• Gentle filtration and flow

Excellent with small rasboras, ricefish, peaceful shrimp, and tiny Corydoras. Avoid fin-nippers and predators. Keep Santa Maria separate from guppies and other Endler lines for purity.

Breeding

Overview & Line Management

Prolific livebearers—females drop small broods every 23–28 days. To preserve the jet-black + glowing-heart look, maintain a dedicated breeding group of your best specimens and keep a separate tank for culls/pet-quality fish.

Setup

Heavily planted 10–20 gallon with gentle sponge filtration, dense moss, and mature biofilm provides excellent fry survival. Many keepers leave adults in place—Endlers harass fry far less than guppies.

Fry Care

Newborns accept powdered fry crumble, micro worms, and newly hatched brine shrimp immediately. Feed tiny amounts 3–5 times daily and perform frequent small water changes with matched parameters.

Selective Breeding Tips

Select males with solid black dorsum and bold, centered red-orange belly patch. Pair with females from similar males. Track pairings in a notebook or spreadsheet and refresh the line from your best home-bred cohorts.

Quick Facts

• Scientific name (hobby): Poecilia wingei
• Line name: Santa Maria Bleeding Heart Endler (domestic)
• Adult size: males 2.5–3 cm, females 3.5–4.5 cm
• Temperature: 74–80 °F (23–27 °C) preferred
• pH/hardness: 7.0–8.2 common; stability most important
• Temperament: peaceful, active nano community fish
• Diet: omnivore—quality prepared + regular live/frozen foods
• Breeding: livebearer, frequent small broods, easy fry rearing
• Line stewardship: keep pure—separate from guppies/other Endler lines

Tropical Fish Co. Notes

These fish are tiny billboards for good husbandry. When the water is clean and the menu varied, males switch on like neon—black top, glowing heart visible across the room. Beginner-friendly yet deep enough for serious line-breeding, they’re full of personality and perfect for planted nanos. Keep them pure, feed them well, and watch the show.