Gold Cobra Guppy

Description

The Gold Cobra Guppy is a dazzling variety of Poecilia reticulata, cherished for its intricate gold and black cobra-like patterns. This guppy is popular among aquarists due to its striking appearance, lively behavior, and ease of care, making it a fantastic choice for both beginners and experienced hobbyists.

Key Features:
Scientific Name: Poecilia reticulata
Common Name: Gold Cobra Guppy
Appearance: The Gold Cobra Guppy displays a stunning combination of gold and black patterns resembling a cobra. Males are particularly vibrant and exhibit more intricate 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 Gold Cobra Guppy is a peaceful and social fish that thrives in community tanks. They are active swimmers and display schooling behavior, adding dynamic movement to the aquarium. To ensure their well-being, keep them in groups of at least six.

Compatible Tank Mates:
The Gold 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:
Gold 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 Gold 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 Gold 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 Gold 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 Gold 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.