(G) Violet Cobra Guppy (Poecilia reticulata)

Description

🐟 Violet Cobra Guppy (Poecilia reticulata)

📌 Basic Info

• Scientific Name: Poecilia reticulata

• Family: Poeciliidae

• Origin: Selectively bred (aquarium strain)

• Size: 1.5 – 2.5 inches (3.5 – 6 cm)

• Lifespan: 2 – 3 years

• Tank Zone: Mid to top swimmers

🌊 Water Parameters

• TDS: 200 – 400 ppm

• pH: 6.8 – 7.8

• Temperature: 22 – 28°C (72 – 82°F)

• Hardness: 8 – 20 dGH

🐟 Characteristics

• Striking guppy with a violet-purple hue and cobra-like tail patterns.

• Males are smaller but show the most intense colors; females are larger with lighter shades.

• Active, peaceful, and hardy, making them great for community tanks.

• Very popular for their unique color and patterned tails.

• Livebearer – females give birth to free-swimming fry.

🍽️ Food

• Type: Omnivorous

• Diet: High-quality flakes, micro pellets, brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, spirulina, and blanched veggies.

• Feeding: 1–2 times daily in small amounts.

🛠️ Maintenance

• Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons (larger if keeping groups).

• Filtration: Gentle sponge filter or low-flow filter.

• Substrate & Decor: Plants, driftwood, hiding spots, and open swimming space.

• Water Change: 25–30% weekly.

👥 Social Behavior

• Minimum Group Size: Keep in groups (best ratio: 1 male to 2–3 females).

• Tank Mates: Other guppies, Mollies, Platies, Swordtails, Neon Tetras, Rasboras, Corydoras, Shrimp.

• Avoid: Aggressive or fin-nipping fish like Tiger Barbs, large Cichlids, or Bettas.

✅ Do’s

• Keep in planted tanks to reduce stress and protect fry.

• Maintain stable water parameters for best colors.

• Use proper male-to-female ratio.

❌ Don’ts

• Don’t overcrowd the tank (they breed rapidly).

• Don’t keep with aggressive fish.

• Don’t skip weekly water changes.

⭐ Quick Tips

• Eye-catching violet cobra patterns make them stand out in aquariums.

• Easy to breed – females can give birth to 20–40 fry every month.

• Perfect for beginners and advanced guppy collectors alike.