Can endlers live with tinfoil barbs?
Verdict
Yes, with care
Yes, with care. Endlers and tinfoil barbs can share a tank, but watch one thing. At 12 inches a tinfoil barb can swallow a small endler's livebearer. Fast, alert fish usually stay out of reach.
What to watch
- Watch outAt 12 inches a tinfoil barb can swallow a small endler's livebearer. Fast, alert fish usually stay out of reach.
- Watch outTinfoil barbs grow to 12 inches and need 125 gallons, far more than a tank set up for endlers.
What works
- Both are fine at 72–80°F.
- pH 7–7.5 suits both.
- They use different parts of the tank: endlers the top, tinfoil barbs the mid.
Water side by side
Size to scale
Care at a glance
| Endler's livebearer | Tinfoil barb | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 72–82 °F | 72–80 °F |
| pH | 7–8 | 6.5–7.5 |
| Adult size | 1.0 in | 12.0 in |
| Minimum tank | 5 gal | 125 gal |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Peaceful |
| Swims at | Top | Middle |
| Group | Groups of 3+ | Groups of 5+ |
| Diet | Omnivore | Omnivore |
Better tank mates for endlers
All endler's livebearer tank mates
Better tank mates for tinfoil barbs
Questions
Can endlers live with tinfoil barbs?
Yes, with care. Endlers and tinfoil barbs can share a tank, but watch one thing. At 12 inches a tinfoil barb can swallow a small endler's livebearer. Fast, alert fish usually stay out of reach.
What temperature suits both endlers and tinfoil barbs?
72–80 °F. Endlers need 72–82 °F, tinfoil barbs need 72–80 °F.
What size tank do endlers and tinfoil barbs need together?
At least 125 gal, set by the tinfoil barb. Add space for each extra fish.













