Luminous Cobra Guppy (Male)

Common Name: Luminous Cobra Guppy
Scientific Name: Poecilia reticulata
Genus: Poecilia
Wild Origin: Selectively bred; wild ancestors originate from freshwater rivers and streams in South America, particularly Venezuela, Guyana, and Trinidad.

The Luminous Cobra Guppy is a captivating guppy variety known for its vibrant colors and intricate “cobra-like” patterning that features snake-like markings across the body and fins. This variety is especially popular for its iridescent, glowing effect under aquarium lighting, with colors ranging from bright greens and blues to shimmering yellows and reds. Males are more vividly colored, while females exhibit subtler patterns. These guppies typically grow to about 1.5-2 inches (4-5 cm) and can live for 2-3 years in captivity with proper care.

Habitat and Tank Requirements:

Luminous Cobra Guppies thrive in clean, warm water with a well-planted aquarium and plenty of open swimming areas. Their vivid colors are best showcased in well-lit tanks with calm, stable conditions.

Tank Size and Water Parameters:

A soft substrate of sand or fine gravel complements their environment, and live plants such as Java moss, Anubias, or floating plants provide natural hiding spots and enhance the tank’s visual appeal. A gentle filtration system helps maintain water quality without creating excessive currents, and regular water changes ensure optimal conditions.

Behavior and Compatibility:

Luminous Cobra Guppies are peaceful and social fish that thrive in groups. If kept in mixed-sex groups, maintain a ratio of 2-3 females per male to prevent over-stressing the females due to mating behavior.

These guppies are ideal tank mates for other peaceful species, including tetras, rasboras, Corydoras catfish, and dwarf shrimp. Avoid fin-nipping species like tiger barbs, as the guppies’ long, flowing fins may attract unwanted attention.