Description
🐟 Violet 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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Striking guppy with a violet-purple hue and cobra-like tail patterns.
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Males are smaller but show the most intense colors; females are larger with lighter shades.
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Active, peaceful, and hardy, making them great for community tanks.
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Very popular for their unique color and patterned tails.
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Livebearer – females give birth to free-swimming fry.
🍽️ Food
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Type: Omnivorous
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Diet: High-quality flakes, micro pellets, brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, spirulina, and blanched veggies.
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Feeding: 1–2 times daily in small amounts.
🛠️ Maintenance
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Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons (larger if keeping groups).
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Filtration: Gentle sponge filter or low-flow filter.
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Substrate & Decor: Plants, driftwood, hiding spots, and open swimming space.
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Water Change: 25–30% weekly.
👥 Social Behavior
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Minimum Group Size: Keep in groups (best ratio: 1 male to 2–3 females).
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Tank Mates: Other guppies, Mollies, Platies, Swordtails, Neon Tetras, Rasboras, Corydoras, Shrimp.
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Avoid: Aggressive or fin-nipping fish like Tiger Barbs, large Cichlids, or Bettas.
✅ Do’s
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Keep in planted tanks to reduce stress and protect fry.
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Maintain stable water parameters for best colors.
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Use proper male-to-female ratio.
❌ Don’ts
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Don’t overcrowd the tank (they breed rapidly).
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Don’t keep with aggressive fish.
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Don’t skip weekly water changes.
⭐ Quick Tips
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Eye-catching violet cobra patterns make them stand out in aquariums.
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Easy to breed – females can give birth to 20–40 fry every month.
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Perfect for beginners and advanced guppy collectors alike.
