Green Cobra Guppy

Overview 

Scientific Name: Poecilia reticulata
Common Name: Green Cobra Guppy

Appearance

• Coloration: Males are distinguished by their vibrant green bodies, often exhibiting a metallic sheen. They have a unique pattern resembling a cobra, with darker markings that enhance their striking appearance. The colors may vary from light to dark green, and some may have iridescent hints of blue or yellow​
  .
• Fins: Their fins are typically long and flowing, contributing to their overall aesthetic appeal, and may display a mix of green and other complementary colors.
• Size: Males generally grow to about 1.5 to 2 inches (4-5 cm) .

Habitat and Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: A minimum of 10 gallons is recommended to ensure adequate space and stability.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 72-82°F (22-28°C)
  • pH: 6.5-8.0
  • Hardness: 8-12 dGH​.
• Filtration: A moderate to strong filtration system is advisable to maintain water quality and clarity.

Diet and Feeding

• Diet Type: Omnivorous; they thrive on a balanced diet.
• Feeding Options:
  • High-quality flakes or pellets designed for guppies.
  • Supplement with live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms.
  • Include some plant matter for balanced nutrition .

Behavior and Temperament

• Social Nature: Green Cobra Guppies are social and should be kept in groups of at least 5-10 to reduce stress and encourage natural behaviors.
• Compatibility: They are generally peaceful and can coexist with other small, non-aggressive fish. Avoid keeping them with fin-nipping species .

Breeding

• Breeding Behavior: Males engage in courtship displays, often chasing females. They are livebearers, meaning females give birth to live fry instead of laying eggs.
• Fry Care: To increase the survival rate of fry, provide plenty of hiding spaces in the tank and consider using a breeding box .

Health and Care

• Maintenance: Regular water changes (about 20-30% weekly) are essential for maintaining water quality.
• Common Diseases: Monitor for common ailments such as ich, fin rot, and velvet disease. Good water quality is crucial to preventing these issues .