Assorted Male Cobra Guppy 3cm
Guppies have earned their reputation as one of the most iconic and beginner-friendly fish in the aquarium world and rightfully so. With their vibrant colours, manageable size, and ease of care, they've become a staple in aquariums worldwide. Among the many guppy strains available, the Cobra Guppy stands out for its unique, intricate body patterning that resembles the markings of a cobra snake. And when you opt for the Assorted Male Cobra Guppy, you're getting a lucky dip of stunning colours and tail shapes that instantly brighten up any aquarium setup.
Assorted Male Cobra Guppy
Guppies have earned their reputation as one of the most iconic and beginner-friendly fish in the aquarium world and rightfully so. With their vibrant colours, manageable size, and ease of care, they've become a staple in aquariums worldwide. Among the many guppy strains available, the Cobra Guppy stands out for its unique, intricate body patterning that resembles the markings of a cobra snake. And when you opt for the Assorted Male Cobra Guppy, you're getting a lucky dip of stunning colours and tail shapes that instantly brighten up any aquarium setup.
The cobra name refers to the intricate vertical and rosette-style markings that run along the guppy's body, often resembling the scales and patterning of snakeskin. The assorted mix features a kaleidoscope of colours: red, green, blue, yellow, orange, and sometimes even metallics with a large fan-like tail. Male guppies, in particular, are known for their exaggerated tails and high-contrast patterning, which makes them the true showpieces of any community tank.
Guppies are also livebearers, meaning they give birth to free-swimming fry rather than laying eggs. While the Cobra guppy strain is more selectively bred for colour and pattern, they still retain their natural hardiness and prolific breeding nature. The wild habitat of the natural guppy is widespread from South America to Mexico.
Tank Recommendations for Male Cobra Guppy
Being a very small and easy to care for fish, a trio of these cobra guppies can be kept in nano aquariums with a minimum being a 37-litre aquarium. A sand or gravel substrate would be fine for these fish as well. A lot of plant growth will also make these fish contrast really well, but also make for handy locations where guppy fry can grow.
Guppies, however, are in fact considered to be a 'hard water fish meaning they prefer the water to have an elevated PH and are not like a tetra. This higher PH of 7 - 8 can be achieved with a PH buffer or African cichlid lake conditioning salts.
Breeding
Breeding cobra guppies or any other guppy, for that matter, is super easy and very different from any other aquarium fish. Where a vast majority of aquarium fish lay eggs, guppies actually give birth to live young just like mammals. If you are looking to breed guppies, it is recommended that there is a ratio of one male to around 3 or more females to make sure that females do not constantly get stressed by the males attempting to breed. When gravid, the female guppy will develop a dark black 'egg spot' near her ventral fin, which is in fact the developing fry. She will then release these in a safe location in the aquarium, which is why it is recommended to have a lot of plant cover in the aquarium. Guppies may also eat any fry they find in the aquarium, so aquarists often have a 'grow-out aquarium.' However, this is not necessary. With these guppies specifically, it is recommended to line breed or regulate the offspring produced, as it will ensure that the genetic traits of the patterning are maintained. However, there is a lot of room to experiment and hybridise to create new and better colour strains!
Suitable Tank Buddies
The cobra guppy is a very peaceful aquarium fish, and males are no different in aggression when compared with females. They are great with a wide range of nano aquarium fish; however, because of their bright and flashy fins, certain fin-nipping species would be avoided. The other factor is that guppies are a fish that needs higher PH, so keeping them with South American tetras may not be very suitable, as these have lower PH.
Usually Compatible
Pseudomogil species such as fork-tail rainbows, blue eyes, rice-fish, and nano aquarium fish, which can tolerate hard water conditions.
Sometimes Compatible
Medium growing or possibly fin nipping species. Bettas should also be avoided because of their similar flashy nature to guppies which could lead to aggression from the bettas end.
Rarely Compatible
Large and aggressive species that would prey on the guppies, such as oscars, or jaguar cichlids.
Feeding your Male Cobra Guppy
The cobra guppy is very easy to feed once it is settled into the aquarium. It will readily eat a wide range of foods but would prefer to have a high floating nano pellet or flake due to its top-dwelling behaviour. Giving them nutritional food with good protein and varied ingredients can result in the mild colours being slightly more enhanced.
Scientific Name | Poecilia reticulata |
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Care Level | Easy |
Common Names | Cobra Guppy, Snakeskin Cobra Guppy |
Diet | Omnivore |
Fish Family | Poeciliidae |
Lifespan (years) | 3 |
Max. Length (cm) | 6 |
Min. Tank Volume (l) | 40 |
Origin | South America |
Sociability | Peaceful |
Venomous | No |
Water Conditions | 24-26° C, pH 7.0-8.0 |
Plant Safe | Yes |