Green Cobra Guppy

The Green Cobra Guppy is a selectively bred fancy guppy recognised for its vivid green, turquoise and yellow colouration. Males display an intricate chain-like or snakeskin pattern across the body, often continuing into a broad, fan-shaped tail marked with contrasting spots and streaks. Females are generally larger and fuller-bodied, although their colours and fins are usually less pronounced. Individual patterning can vary considerably between fish.

Peaceful, active and sociable, Green Cobra Guppies are well suited to planted community aquariums containing other small, non-aggressive species. They should be kept in groups, with a mixture of open swimming space and dense plants for shelter. When housing both sexes together, keeping two or three females for each male helps spread the males’ persistent courtship behaviour. Their flowing fins should be protected from known fin-nipping species.

These hardy livebearers are suitable for newer fishkeepers but require clean, stable and well-filtered water. They perform particularly well in moderately hard, slightly alkaline conditions and should not be kept in very soft, acidic water for extended periods.

Maximum adult size: Approximately 5–6 cm; females are generally larger than males.

Temperament: Peaceful, lively and sociable; suitable for most community aquariums

Difficulty of care: Easy

Preferred Temperature: 22–28 °C

Preferred pH of water: 7.0–8.2; moderately hard water is recommended.

Type of breeding: Livebearer; fertilisation takes place internally and females give birth to fully formed, free-swimming fry. Adults provide no parental care and may eat their young, so dense planting or a separate nursery aquarium will improve fry survival.

Dietary preferences: Omnivorous. Offer good-quality flakes or small pellets, supplemented with vegetable-rich foods and occasional live or frozen foods such as Artemia, daphnia and bloodworm. Feeding a varied diet will help maintain strong colouration, healthy growth and good fin condition.