Cobra Endler’s Livebearer Care | Breeding, Tank Setup and Where To Buy

Cobra Endler Livebearers are known for their vibrant colors and distinct markings. They have a torpedo-shaped body with various colors and patterns, typically a combination of bright greens, blues, and reds. What sets the “Cobra” variety apart is the presence of a prominent cobra-like pattern on their bodies, which can vary in intensity and location, creating a visually striking appearance. In this cobra endler’s livebearer care guide we will cover how to breed, optimal tank setup, and the best places to buy cobra endler’s livebearers.

Endler’s Guppies are relatively small, with males being slightly smaller than females. They are easy to care for and breed, making them a popular choice for both beginners and experienced aquarists. These tropical fish are known for their active and playful nature and are often kept in community aquariums with other peaceful fish freshwater fish species.

What is a Cobra Endler’s Livebearer?

A Cobra Endler livebearer, often simply referred to as an “Endler’s Guppy” or “Endler,” is a small and colorful freshwater fish popular in the aquarium hobby. Endler’s Guppies are a separate species from the more common guppy (Poecilia reticulata) but are closely related. They are named after Dr. John Endler, who first collected them in Venezuela in the 1970s.

Key characteristics of Cobra Endler’s Livebearers guppies include:

• Size: Cobra Endler’s are quite small, with males typically growing to around 0.8 to 1.2 inches (2 to 3 centimeters) in length, while females are slightly larger.
• Appearance: The primary distinguishing feature of Cobra Endler Guppies is their cobra-like patterning. This pattern often resembles the shape of a cobra’s head or hood, and it can appear as a bold, contrasting band of color running along their bodies. The most common colors in this pattern are green, blue, and red, creating a vibrant and eye-catching appearance.
• Behavior: Endlers livebearer fish are generally peaceful fish and social, making them suitable for community aquariums. However, males can be territorial and may display some aggression towards one another.
• Habitat/Origin: Cobra Endler’s Livebearers guppies are native to Venezuela, specifically in the Laguna de Patos and its surrounding waters. They prefer densely vegetated, slow-moving waters with plenty of hiding spots. Source – Wikipedia 
• Reproduction: Like common guppies, Cobra Endler’s Livebearers are livebearers, which means they give birth to live fry rather than laying eggs. They reproduce readily in the right conditions and can produce multiple batches of fry from a single mating.
• Care: Cobra Endler Guppy fish are relatively easy to care for and can thrive in a well-maintained aquarium with suitable water conditions, such as warm water (around 75-82°F or 24-28°C) and slightly alkaline pH levels. They also benefit from a planted tank with plenty of hiding spots.
• Diet: endler livebearer are omnivorous and accept a wide range of foods. Their diet should include high-quality flake or pellet food, supplemented with live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms.
• Lifespan: On average, Endlers guppies typically have a lifespan of 2 to 3 years in well-maintained aquariums.
• Tank Mates: neon tetras, cardinal tetras, or ember tetras, bronze corydoras or Panda Cory harlequin rasboras or chili rasboras cherry shrimp or amano shrimp, Green Moscow Guppy, Blue Hawaiian Moscow Guppy

The Cobra Endler’s Livebearers Care Breeding, Tank Setup and Where To Buy

Here’s a care guide for Cobra Endler Guppies, covering tank setup, feeding, disease prevention, and breeding:

Tank Setup:

1. Tank Size: A 10 to 20-gallon aquarium is suitable for a small group of Cobra Endler Guppies. Larger tanks provide more stable water conditions and allow for a larger population.
2. Filtration: Use a good-quality aquarium filter to maintain water quality. Guppies are sensitive to ammonia and nitrite, so regular water changes are essential.
3. Heating: Maintain a stable water temperature between 74°F to 82°F (23°C to 28°C) as Endler’s Guppies are tropical fish.
4. Decor: Provide plenty of plants (live or artificial) and hiding spots, as these fish like to explore and take shelter. Floating plants are appreciated because they provide cover and help diffuse light.
5. Substrate: Use a fine-grained substrate, like sand or fine gravel, as it’s easier on their delicate barbels.

Water parameters

• pH: Maintain a slightly alkaline pH level between 7.0 and 8.0 to ensure the well-being of your Endler’s Livebearers.
• Water Hardness: Aim for a general hardness (GH) level between 10 and 20 degrees, dGH. This range provides the necessary minerals for your fish.
• Temperature: Keep the water temperature stable between 75-82°F (24-28°C) to mimic their tropical habitat.
• Ammonia and Nitrites: Regularly test for ammonia and nitrite levels, aiming for undetectable levels. High levels can harm your fish.
• Nitrates: Keep nitrate levels below 40 ppm (parts per million) through regular water changes and proper filtration.
• Chlorine and Chloramine: Use a water conditioner to neutralize these chemicals in tap water, ensuring it’s safe for your fish.
• Water Movement: Maintain gentle water movement, as Endler’s Livebearers prefer calm to moderately flowing water.
• Water Quality: Regularly monitor water parameters and perform routine maintenance, including water changes, to keep your aquarium water clean and suitable for your fish.

Feeding:

1. Diet: Cobra Endler Guppies are omnivorous. Feed them a balanced diet that includes high-quality flake or pellet food. Supplement their diet with live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms. Occasional offerings of blanched vegetables, like zucchini or spinach, can also be beneficial.
2. Feed Regularly: Offer food in small portions 2-3 times a day. Ensure they consume their food within a few minutes to prevent overfeeding and water quality issues.

Disease Prevention and Troubleshooting:

1. Quarantine: Always quarantine new fish before introducing them to your main tank to prevent the spread of diseases.
2. Water Quality: Maintain good water quality through regular water changes, proper filtration, and monitoring parameters like pH, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate.
3. Stress Reduction: Minimize stress by avoiding sudden water parameter changes, overcrowding, and aggressive tankmates.
4. Disease Identification: Familiarize yourself with common fish diseases and their symptoms. Isolate and treat sick fish promptly to prevent disease spread.

Breeding:

1. Gender Separation: Male Cobra Endler Guppies are smaller and have a modified anal fin called a gonopodium. Females have a rounder, fan-shaped anal fin.
2. Breeding Tank: Consider setting up a separate breeding tank or providing plenty of hiding spots and dense vegetation in the main tank for fry to seek refuge.
3. Mating Behavior: Males display their striking colors and perform courtship dances to attract females. Once the female accepts, the male transfers sperm using his gonopodium.
4. Gestation: Female guppies are livebearers, and they give birth to live fry after a gestation period of about 21 to 30 days.
5. Fry Care: When the female gives birth, move her to a separate tank or provide plenty of hiding spots to protect the fry from being eaten by adults. Feed the fry with powdered or liquid fry food or crushed flakes until they are large enough to eat regular food.
6. Growth: Cobra Endler Guppies grow quickly, and within a few months, they will reach maturity and start breeding themselves.

Remember that proper care and attention to water quality are crucial for the health and success of your Cobra Endler Guppies, especially when breeding. Regular observation and maintenance will help ensure a thriving and colorful community in your aquarium.

best Places to Buy and average price

When it comes to buying Cobra Endler Guppies or any other aquarium fish, you have a few options, both online and offline. The availability and pricing can vary depending on your location, the specific strain or variety you’re looking for, and the reputation of the seller. Here are some places to consider:

1. Local Aquarium Stores: Local fish stores (LFS) often have a selection of guppies, including Cobra Endler Guppies. Visit your nearest LFS to see what they have available. Prices may vary, but you can typically find reasonably priced fish, with Cobra Endler Guppies usually costing between $3 to $10 per fish, depending on the strain and quality.
2. Aquarium Clubs and Societies: Many areas have aquarium clubs or societies where hobbyists buy, sell, and trade fish. These clubs often host auctions or sales events, which can be a great place to find unique strains at reasonable prices.
3. Online Retailers: Several online retailers specialize in aquarium fish and ship them to your location. Websites like LiveAquaria, Aquatic Arts, and The Wet Spot Tropical Fish often have a variety of guppies available. Prices can vary widely, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $5 to $15 or more per Cobra Endler Guppy, depending on the strain and source.
4. Online Forums and Classifieds: Aquarium forums, social media groups, and classified ad websites may have hobbyists selling Cobra Endler Guppies. These can be a great way to find unique strains or specific breeders, but prices can vary widely.
5. Aquatic Auctions: Some online platforms, like Aquabid, host auctions for aquarium fish. You can bid on Cobra Endler Guppies from various sellers, and prices can range from a few dollars to more depending on the quality and demand.
6. Local Breeders: Look for local hobbyist breeders in your area. They might advertise on community bulletin boards, social media, or local classifieds. Buying from local breeders can be an excellent way to support fellow hobbyists and get healthy, locally bred fish.

The cost of Cobra Endler Guppies can vary greatly depending on factors like the strain, quality, and rarity. While you may find some for as low as a few dollars each, unique or highly sought-after strains could cost more. Always do your research and consider the reputation of the seller, the health of the fish, and any shipping costs when making your purchase. Additionally, remember that setting up and maintaining a proper aquarium environment is equally important for the well-being of your fish.