Cobra Snakeskin Guppy (Poecilia reticulata)

Bold Cobra Patterning with Striking Contrast

The Cobra Snakeskin Guppy (Poecilia reticulata) is one of the most dramatic and recognisable fancy guppy varieties in the hobby. Named for its bold, high-contrast snakeskin pattern that resembles the scale markings of a cobra, this variety displays a striking network of dark rosettes and vertical bars over a lighter base colour — typically yellow, gold, or orange — creating a pattern that is both fierce and beautiful. A classic guppy variety that never goes out of style.

Hardy, active, and beginner-friendly, the Cobra Snakeskin Guppy is a fantastic choice for community tanks, planted aquariums, and guppy enthusiasts who appreciate bold, high-contrast patterning.

Overview

Appearance

The Cobra Snakeskin pattern is defined by bold, dark vertical bars and rosette markings overlaid on a warm yellow, gold, or orange base — a high-contrast design that gives this variety its distinctive cobra-like appearance. The pattern extends from the body into the caudal fin, creating a cohesive, full-body display. Under aquarium lighting, the base colour often shows iridescent highlights that add depth and shimmer to the pattern. Males display the full pattern with vivid colour; females are larger-bodied with subtler markings.

Water Parameters & Tank Setup

• Temperature: 24 – 28°C (75 – 82°F)
• pH: 7.0 – 7.8
• General Hardness (GH): 8 – 12 dGH
• Tank Size: 40 L (10 gallons) minimum; thrives in well-planted setups
• Filtration: Gentle flow; avoid strong currents that stress delicate fins
• Substrate: Dark substrate enhances the contrast of the cobra pattern

Diet & Feeding

• Staple: High-quality flake food or micro pellets
• Treats: Baby brine shrimp, daphnia, and micro worms — live and frozen foods enhance colour and pattern vibrancy

Feed small amounts 2–3 times daily.

Compatibility & Tank Mates

• Other peaceful guppy strains and livebearers
• Small tetras, rasboras, and corydoras
• Dwarf shrimp (generally safe with adults)
• Avoid fin-nipping species to protect their patterned tails

Breeding

Livebearers that breed readily. Females give birth to live fry every 4–6 weeks. Fry will develop their cobra snakeskin pattern as they mature. Provide floating plants or a breeding box to protect fry from adults.

The Cobra Snakeskin Guppy is a bold, classic, and endlessly striking fancy guppy — a timeless variety that brings dramatic patterning and warm colour to any freshwater aquarium. Available as Male, Female, or Pair.