Species profile
Golden Cobra Guppy
Poecilia reticulata
Peaceful
Moderate care
60 L minimum aquarium
3–5 cm adult size
Top mid
Minimum group: 3
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Golden Cobra is a domestic guppy strain, not a formal taxonomic variety.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
20–28 °C
pH
7–8
GH
8–20 dGH
KH
8–20 dKH
Flow preference
Moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 3
Tank zone
Top mid
Territory level
Low
Predation risk
Fry
Bioload factor
1.5
Peaceful but males constantly court females; use female-biased mixed-sex groups or single-sex groups if breeding is unwanted.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
Yes
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
60 L
Minimum footprint
60 × 30 cm
Accepted scientific name
Poecilia reticulata
Alternative names
Golden Cobra Guppy, Cobra Guppy, Fancy Guppy
Native range
Captive-bred domestic colour/pattern form of Poecilia reticulata; no separate wild range.
Natural habitat
Hard, alkaline freshwater suits domestic guppies. Provide planted cover, clean stable water and moderate flow.
Diet & feeding
Quality flake/granules with plant-rich food and small frozen/live foods.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Males are smaller, highly coloured and possess a gonopodium; females are larger and fuller-bodied.
Breeding
Livebearer. Females can store sperm and produce repeated broods; dense planting provides refuge for fry.