Description
🐟 Red Cobra Guppy (Poecilia reticulata)
📌 Basic Info
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Scientific Name: Poecilia reticulata
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Family: Poeciliidae
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Origin: Selectively bred (aquarium strain)
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Size: 1.5 – 2.5 inches (3.5 – 6 cm)
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Lifespan: 2 – 3 years
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Tank Zone: Mid to top swimmers
🌊 Water Parameters
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TDS: 200 – 400 ppm
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pH: 6.8 – 7.8
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Temperature: 22 – 28°C (72 – 82°F)
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Hardness: 8 – 20 dGH
🐟 Characteristics
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Bright red-orange body with striking cobra-like tail patterns.
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Males are more colorful and smaller, while females are larger with lighter shades.
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Peaceful, active, and very hardy – ideal for beginners.
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Highly attractive due to their fiery red cobra design.
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Livebearers – females give birth to free-swimming fry.
🍽️ Food
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Type: Omnivorous
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Diet: Flake food, micro pellets, brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, spirulina, blanched veggies.
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Feeding: 1–2 times daily in small portions.
🛠️ Maintenance
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Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons (larger if keeping groups).
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Filtration: Gentle sponge or low-flow filter.
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Decor: Plants, driftwood, and open space for swimming.
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Water Change: 25–30% weekly.
👥 Social Behavior
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Minimum Group Size: Best in groups (1 male with 2–3 females).
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Tank Mates: Other guppies, Platies, Mollies, Swordtails, Neon Tetras, Rasboras, Corydoras, Shrimp.
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Avoid: Aggressive or fin-nipping fish (Tiger Barbs, Bettas, large Cichlids).
✅ Do’s
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Keep live plants to protect fry.
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Maintain stable and clean water for vibrant colors.
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Balance males and females to avoid stress.
❌ Don’ts
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Don’t overcrowd – guppies breed rapidly.
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Don’t keep with aggressive tank mates.
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Don’t skip water changes.
⭐ Quick Tips
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Very popular for their red cobra tail pattern and hardy nature.
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Easy to breed – females can produce 20–40 fry monthly.
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Perfect for both beginners and experienced aquarists.
