Cobra Lyretail Guppy Characteristics, Habitat And Breeding

The Cobra Lyretail Guppy is one of the most sought-after guppy varieties among aquarium enthusiasts. Its unique tail shape, resembling a lyre, and its striking cobra-like pattern make it an attractive choice for beginners and seasoned hobbyists alike. However, keeping these guppies healthy and happy requires proper knowledge and care. 

If you’ve been wondering how to provide the perfect environment, prevent health issues, and encourage breeding, this article is your ultimate solution. By the end, you’ll have all the answers to your questions about the Cobra Lyretail Guppy.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction to Cobra Lyretail Guppies
2. Physical Characteristics and Unique Features
3. Habitat and Tank Requirements
4. Diet and Feeding Guidelines
5. Breeding Cobra Lyretail Guppies
6. Common Health Problems and Solutions
7. Behavior and Compatibility with Other Fish
8. Cost and Where to Buy
9. Conclusion: Caring for Cobra Lyretail Guppies

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1. Introduction to Cobra Lyretail Guppies

Cobra Lyretail Guppies are a special type of guppy known for their elegance and vibrant appearance. They belong to the Poecilia reticulata species and are a popular choice for aquarists who enjoy guppies with distinct patterns and tail shapes. The lyretail, characterized by its forked ends, is not only visually stunning but also a sign of careful breeding.

These guppies are easy to keep if you understand their basic needs. They thrive in well-maintained tanks with stable water conditions and require a balanced diet to maintain their health and coloration. If you’re new to keeping guppies, the Cobra Lyretail is a rewarding choice. This guide will help you ensure your guppies live a long, healthy, and happy life.

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2. Physical Characteristics and Unique Features

The Cobra Lyretail Guppy stands out due to:

• Body Pattern: A distinct cobra-like pattern with spots or streaks.
• Tail Shape: A lyretail that fans out into two long, pointed ends.
• Colors: Bright hues of red, yellow, blue, green, and orange.

Feature	Description
Body Size	1.5–2 inches in length
Lifespan	2–3 years with proper care
Tail Type	Lyretail (forked ends)
Gender Difference	Males are more colorful, females larger

Understanding their physical traits helps in identifying healthy specimens and differentiating males from females.

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3. Habitat and Tank Requirements

To keep your Cobra Lyretail Guppies comfortable, provide the following:

Requirement	Ideal Conditions
Tank Size	Minimum 10 gallons
Water Temperature	72°F–82°F (22°C–28°C)
pH Level	6.8–7.8
Water Hardness	8–12 dGH
Substrate	Fine gravel or sand

Tips:

• Use live plants like Java Moss to mimic natural habitats.
• Add gentle filtration to maintain water quality.
• Avoid overcrowding; provide space for swimming.

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4. Diet and Feeding Guidelines

Cobra Lyretail Guppies are omnivores. Their diet should include:

• Protein: Brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia.
• Vegetables: Blanched spinach, spirulina.
• Pellets/Flakes: High-quality guppy food.

Food Type	Frequency
Live/Frozen	2–3 times per week
Pellets/Flakes	Daily (in small portions)

Overfeeding can cause health problems, so feed only what they can consume in 2 minutes.

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5. Breeding Cobra Lyretail Guppies

Breeding these guppies is straightforward:

• Select Healthy Pairs: Choose vibrant males and females with strong lyretails.
• Separate Breeding Tank: Use a 5–10 gallon tank with plenty of hiding spots.
• Water Conditions: Maintain warm water (78°F–80°F).

Breeding Stage	Key Details
Gestation Period	21–30 days
Fry Care	Feed baby brine shrimp

Keep the fry separate from adult guppies to prevent predation.

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6. Common Health Problems and Solutions

Cobra Lyretail Guppies can face issues like fin rot, ich, or stress.

Problem	Symptoms	Solution
Fin Rot	Frayed or discolored fins	Antibiotics, clean water
Ich	White spots on body	Raise temperature, use medication
Stress	Lethargy, hiding behavior	Check water quality, reduce stressors

Regular tank maintenance and a balanced diet are essential for preventing diseases.

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7. Behavior and Compatibility with Other Fish

Cobra Lyretail Guppies are peaceful but may get nipped by aggressive tankmates.

Compatible Fish	Incompatible Fish
Mollies, Platies	Cichlids, Tiger Barbs
Neon Tetras	Betta Fish (in some cases)

Introduce tankmates gradually and observe their behavior to prevent conflicts.

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8. Cost and Where to Buy

Cobra Lyretail Guppies are moderately priced.

Source	Average Cost per Pair
Local Pet Stores	$5–$15
Online Retailers	$10–$20

Look for reputable breeders to ensure the health and quality of your guppies.

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9. Conclusion: Caring for Cobra Lyretail Guppies

The Cobra Lyretail Guppy is a delightful addition to any aquarium, combining beauty with manageable care requirements. By maintaining the right tank conditions, providing a varied diet, and ensuring compatibility with other fish, you can enjoy their vibrant presence for years. Follow this guide to address all aspects of their care, from breeding to solving health problems. Start your guppy-keeping journey today with confidence!

FAQs about Cobra Lyretail Guppies

1. What makes the Cobra Lyretail Guppy unique?

The Cobra Lyretail Guppy stands out due to its cobra-like body pattern and its stunning lyretail, which fans out into two elongated, pointed ends. These features, combined with their vibrant colors, make them a favorite among aquarists.

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2. What is the ideal tank size for Cobra Lyretail Guppies?

The minimum recommended tank size for Cobra Lyretail Guppies is 10 gallons. However, a larger tank is better if you plan to keep a group of guppies or add tankmates.

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3. What should I feed my Cobra Lyretail Guppies?

Cobra Lyretail Guppies are omnivores and thrive on a varied diet, including:

• High-quality guppy flakes or pellets.
• Live or frozen foods like brine shrimp and daphnia.
• Vegetables such as blanched spinach or spirulina.

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4. How can I tell male and female Cobra Lyretail Guppies apart?

• Males: Smaller, with vibrant colors and a lyretail shape.
• Females: Larger, less colorful, with a rounded tail.

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5. Can I keep Cobra Lyretail Guppies with other fish?

Yes, Cobra Lyretail Guppies are peaceful and do well with other non-aggressive species like:

• Mollies
• Platies
• Neon Tetras
  Avoid aggressive species like Cichlids or Tiger Barbs, which may nip at their fins.

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6. How often should I clean the tank for Cobra Lyretail Guppies?

Perform a 25–30% water change weekly and clean the substrate and decorations as needed. Regular maintenance keeps the water parameters stable and prevents health issues.

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7. How do I breed Cobra Lyretail Guppies?

To breed these guppies:

• Place a male and female in a separate breeding tank with plenty of plants.
• Maintain warm water at 78°F–80°F.
• After 21–30 days, the female will give birth to live fry.

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8. How long do Cobra Lyretail Guppies live?

With proper care, Cobra Lyretail Guppies typically live for 2–3 years. Their lifespan depends on diet, tank conditions, and overall health management.

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9. Why are my Cobra Lyretail Guppies hiding or inactive?

Hiding or inactivity may indicate:

• Stress due to poor water quality or aggressive tankmates.
• Illness like fin rot or ich.
• Changes in the tank environment.

Check water parameters and ensure a stress-free environment.

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10. Where can I buy Cobra Lyretail Guppies?

You can find Cobra Lyretail Guppies at:

• Local pet stores.
• Online retailers specializing in aquarium fish.
• Reputable breeders who ensure healthy guppies.