Guppy cobra

The cobra guppy, scientific name Poecilia reticulata (Cobra breed), belongs to the Poeciliidae family. A characteristic feature is the presence of vertical stripes in the pattern on the back of the body. The color of the fish can be the most diverse: green, red, blue, yellow, and also combining all sorts of colors and shades. The tail is large veiled with a pattern of numerous contrasting speckles and irregularly shaped spots. All of the above apply to males. Females are larger, but do not look as colorful.

Many animals have a striped pattern on their bodies, but why the cobra was taken as an analogy is unknown. You can consider this a funny incident from breeders – to give such a formidable name to this peaceful fish.

Brief information:

• The volume of the aquarium – from 40 liters.
• Temperature – 17-28°C
• Value pH — 7.0–8.5
• Water hardness – soft to high (10-30 dGH)
• Substrate type – any
• Lighting – moderate or bright
• Brackish water is permissible in a concentration of up to 15 g per 1 liter
• Water movement – light or moderate
• The size of the fish is 3–6 cm.
• Food – any food
• Temperament – peaceful
• Content alone, in pairs or in a group

Maintenance and care

By right they are among the easiest fish to keep. Unpretentious, perfectly adapt to various conditions. They can live both in a half-empty and heavily overgrown aquarium, so the choice of design is a matter of taste for the aquarist.

They are not demanding on the composition of the water and feel great in a wide range of pH and GH values, including brackish water. The temperature regime also does not matter. It is permissible to stay in unheated aquariums for a long time or permanently, provided that they are located in a residential area (apartment, house).

Such adaptability should not be misleading. Like other species, the Guppy Cobra is sensitive to the accumulation of organic waste and needs regular maintenance. Mandatory procedures include weekly replacement of part of the water with fresh and timely removal of food residues, excrement, etc.

Food. The omnivorousness of Guppy and the existing variety of food allow you to choose the most optimal food option. A good choice would be dry food in the form of flakes, granules.

behavior and compatibility. There are no intraspecific conflicts. Females and especially males are quite peaceful. Although the latter compete with each other, it does not come to clashes. Compatible with most species of comparable size and temperament. It is worth avoiding fish that are prone to damage other people’s fins, for example, some barbs.