Blue Cobra Guppy

Description

The Blue Cobra Guppy is a remarkable and vibrant variety of Poecilia reticulata, prized for its intricate patterns and striking coloration. This guppy is a favorite among aquarists for its ease of care, lively behavior, and stunning appearance, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced hobbyists.

Key Features:
– Scientific Name: Poecilia reticulata
– Common Name: Blue Cobra Guppy
– Appearance: The Blue Cobra Guppy features a mesmerizing combination of blue and black cobra-like patterns across its body and fins. Males are particularly colorful and display more vibrant patterns compared to females.
– Size: Males grow up to 1.5 inches, while females can reach up to 2 inches.
– Lifespan: Typically 2-3 years with proper care.

Ideal Tank Conditions:
– Minimum Aquarium Size: 10 gallons
– Water Parameters:
– Temperature: 72-82°F
– pH: 6.8-7.8
– Hardness: 8-12 dGH
– Filtration: Moderate to strong filtration is recommended to maintain water quality.
– Aquarium Setup: Provide a well-planted tank with plenty of swimming space and hiding spots. Use a mix of live and artificial plants, driftwood, and rocks to create a natural and stimulating environment.

Behavior and Compatibility:
The Blue Cobra Guppy is a peaceful and social fish that thrives in community tanks. They are active swimmers and display schooling behavior, which adds dynamic movement to the aquarium. To ensure their well-being, keep them in groups of at least six.

Compatible Tank Mates:
The Blue Cobra Guppy coexists well with other small, peaceful fish. Suitable tank mates include:
– [Scarlet Red Endler Guppies](https://www.livefishdirect.com/product-category/community-fish-small-micro/)
– [Japanese Blue Swordtail Guppy](https://www.livefishdirect.com/product-category/community-fish-small-micro/)
– [Green Neon Guppy](https://www.livefishdirect.com/product-category/community-fish-small-micro/)
– [Snow White Guppy](https://www.livefishdirect.com/product-category/community-fish-small-micro/)
– [Flamingo Guppy](https://www.livefishdirect.com/product-category/community-fish-small-micro/)
– [Red Guppy](https://www.livefishdirect.com/product-category/community-fish-small-micro/)

Dietary Needs:
Blue Cobra Guppies are omnivores and require a balanced diet to maintain their health and vibrant coloration. Offer a variety of high-quality flake foods, micro-pellets, and live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms. Supplement their diet with spirulina flakes and blanched vegetables like zucchini or spinach.

Breeding Tips:
Breeding Blue Cobra Guppies is relatively straightforward, as they are livebearers. Provide a breeding tank with plenty of plants and hiding spots for the fry. Female guppies can give birth to 20-40 fry every 4-6 weeks. To increase survival rates, separate the fry from adults or use a breeding box to protect them.

Health and Maintenance:
Maintaining clean water and a stable environment is crucial for the health of Blue Cobra Guppies. Perform regular water changes of 25-30% weekly and monitor water parameters to prevent stress and disease. Look out for common health issues such as fin rot and ich, and treat promptly if symptoms appear.

Conclusion:
The Blue Cobra Guppy is a visually stunning and active fish that enhances the beauty of any freshwater aquarium. With its ease of care and compatibility with other peaceful fish, it is an ideal choice for aquarists of all levels. Add a group of Blue Cobra Guppies to your tank and enjoy their lively behavior and striking colors.

Explore more compatible tank mates and find the perfect additions to your aquarium in our [Community Fish Small & Micro](https://www.livefishdirect.com/product-category/community-fish-small-micro/) category.