The Cobra Guppy (Poecilia reticulata “Cobra”) is a colorful and hardy livebearing fish, prized for its snake-like body pattern and active swimming behavior. They are beginner-friendly and thrive in well-maintained community aquariums with stable water conditions, live plants, and gentle filtration. Cobra guppies are social and should be kept in groups, with a recommended ratio of more females to males to reduce stress. They are omnivorous, feeding on a mix of quality flakes, pellets, live, and frozen foods. As prolific breeders, they can quickly populate a tank, so either separate sexes or provide hiding spots for fry if controlled breeding is desired. Regular water changes and avoiding sudden shifts in parameters help maintain their vibrant colors and long lifespan.
| Care Aspect | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Poecilia reticulata “Cobra” |
| Common Name | Cobra Guppy |
| Tank Size | 10+ gallons (larger for groups) |
| Temperature | 72–82°F (22–28°C) |
| pH | 6.8–7.8 |
| GH (Hardness) | 8–12 dGH |
| KH (Alkalinity) | 3–8 dKH |
| Diet | Omnivorous – flakes, pellets, live/frozen foods, blanched veggies |
| Temperament | Peaceful, social, community-friendly |
| Lifespan | 2–3 years |
| Size | Males: 1.5 in (3.5 cm), Females: 2.5 in (6 cm) |
| Breeding | Livebearer; prolific, fry often eaten unless provided cover |
| Special Notes | Best kept with more females than males; thrive in planted aquariums |
