By weeebooo70@gmail.com 
The Green King Cobra Guppy is one of the most breathtaking varieties of guppies, admired by aquarium hobbyists for its striking snake-like patterns, dazzling green sheen, and flowing tail. Known for its exotic appearance and energetic personality, this guppy is a sought-after addition to planted aquariums and community tanks.
Belonging to the Poecilia reticulata species, guppies are native to South America, but selective breeding has given rise to hundreds of stunning strains, including the Green King Cobra variety. This fish is especially popular for its vibrant green mosaic patterns resembling a cobra’s scales, combined with elegant fin shapes that make it stand out among ornamental fish.
In this guide, we will explore everything about the Green King Cobra Guppy—from its origins and physical traits to tank requirements, diet, breeding, health care, and maintenance. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned aquarist, this article will help you keep your guppies healthy, thriving, and colorful.
Origins and Background of Green King Cobra Guppy
The Green King Cobra Guppy is not found in the wild. Instead, it is a selectively bred strain developed by guppy enthusiasts. Breeders have spent years refining this variety to enhance its green coloration, mosaic-like snake pattern, and flowing tail shape.
The term “King Cobra” refers to the snake-like markings along the fish’s body and tail, which mimic the scales of a cobra. The green hue is achieved through careful breeding, often involving metallic green guppies, cobra-pattern guppies, and other show strains.
Due to its unique appearance, the Green King Cobra Guppy is often featured in guppy competitions and is considered a premium variety among guppy collectors.
Physical Characteristics
Size
- Male Green King Cobra Guppies: 1.5 – 2 inches
- Female Green King Cobra Guppies: 2 – 2.5 inches
Coloration
- Vibrant emerald green base color
- Snake-like cobra pattern with black and metallic markings
- Iridescent scales that shimmer under aquarium lighting
Fins
- Males typically display larger, flowing caudal fins (tails)
- Patterns extend across the tail, dorsal fin, and sometimes the entire body
Sexual Dimorphism
- Males: Brighter colors, elongated fins, slender bodies
- Females: Larger bodies, duller colors, smaller fins
Tank Requirements for Green King Cobra Guppy
Setting up the right tank conditions is essential for the health and vibrancy of your Green King Cobra Guppies. They are hardy fish, but optimal water conditions will ensure they thrive and display their full colors.
Tank Size
- Minimum: 10 gallons
- Ideal: 20 gallons or larger for a community setup
Water Parameters
- Temperature: 72 – 82°F (22 – 28°C)
- pH: 6.8 – 7.8
- Hardness: 8 – 12 dGH
- Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
- Nitrate: Below 20 ppm
Filtration
- Use a gentle sponge filter or hang-on-back filter to maintain clean water without creating strong currents
Substrate
- Sand or fine gravel, paired with natural decorations
Lighting
- Moderate lighting enhances the green iridescence
- LED lights bring out the cobra pattern and shimmering effect
Plants and Decorations
- Guppies enjoy planted tanks with hiding spaces
- Recommended plants: Java Moss, Anubias, Hornwort, Guppy Grass
- Provide caves, driftwood, or rocks for extra shelter
Tank Mates for Green King Cobra Guppy
Green King Cobra Guppies are peaceful community fish. They thrive with tank mates that share similar water conditions and temperament.
Compatible Tank Mates
- Other Guppy varieties
- Endler’s Livebearers
- Neon Tetras
- Corydoras Catfish
- Mollies, Platies, and Swordtails
- Otocinclus Catfish
- Snails and Shrimps
Tank Mates to Avoid
- Aggressive species like Cichlids, Tiger Barbs, Bettas
- Fin-nipping fish that may damage their delicate tails
Diet and Feeding
A balanced diet is crucial to maintaining the vibrant colors and health of Green King Cobra Guppies. As omnivores, they eat both plant and animal-based foods.
Recommended Diet
- High-quality guppy flakes or pellets
- Live foods: Brine shrimp, daphnia, mosquito larvae
- Frozen foods: Bloodworms, tubifex worms
- Vegetables: Blanched spinach, zucchini, or cucumber
Feeding Frequency
- 2–3 small meals per day
- Avoid overfeeding to prevent obesity and water quality issues
Breeding Green King Cobra Guppies
Breeding is one of the most exciting aspects of keeping guppies. Green King Cobra Guppies are livebearers, meaning they give birth to free-swimming fry.
Breeding Setup
- Separate breeding tank (10 gallons)
- Add live plants like Java Moss to protect fry
- Maintain stable water parameters
Mating Behavior
- Males constantly display and chase females
- Ratio recommendation: 1 male to 2–3 females
Pregnancy Signs in Females
- Enlarged belly
- Dark gravid spot near the anal fin
- Squared-off abdomen close to delivery
Fry Care
- Females give birth to 20–60 fry every 4–6 weeks
- Separate fry from adults to prevent predation
- Feed fry with baby brine shrimp, crushed flakes, or micro worms
Health and Disease Prevention
While Green King Cobra Guppies are hardy, they can be prone to common aquarium diseases if water conditions are not maintained.
Common Diseases
- Ich (White Spot Disease)
- Symptoms: White spots on body and fins
- Treatment: Increase temperature gradually, use aquarium salt and Ich medication
- Fin Rot
- Symptoms: Fraying fins, blackened edges
- Treatment: Improve water quality, use antibacterial treatments
- Swim Bladder Disease
- Symptoms: Difficulty swimming, floating upside down
- Treatment: Fasting for 24 hours, feeding boiled peas
- Fungal Infections
- Symptoms: Cotton-like patches on skin
- Treatment: Antifungal medications
Prevention Tips
- Perform 25–30% weekly water changes
- Avoid overfeeding
- Quarantine new fish before adding them to the tank
- Maintain proper filtration and water testing
Why Choose Green King Cobra Guppy?
- Stunning appearance with unique green cobra patterns
- Active and playful community fish
- Beginner-friendly due to hardiness
- Easy to breed, making them rewarding for hobbyists
- Enhance the visual appeal of aquariums
Conclusion
The Green King Cobra Guppy is a remarkable ornamental fish that combines beauty, hardiness, and ease of care. Its shimmering green scales and cobra-like patterns make it a centerpiece in any aquarium. With proper tank conditions, a balanced diet, and attentive care, this guppy variety will flourish and reward you with endless charm.
Whether you are a beginner looking for a colorful addition or an experienced aquarist interested in selective breeding, the Green King Cobra Guppy is an excellent choice.
FAQs About Green King Cobra Guppy
Q1. How big do Green King Cobra Guppies grow?
Males reach about 1.5–2 inches, while females grow slightly larger, up to 2.5 inches.
Q2. What is the ideal tank size for Green King Cobra Guppies?
A 10-gallon tank is the minimum, but a 20-gallon or larger tank is recommended for a thriving community.
Q3. Are Green King Cobra Guppies aggressive?
No, they are peaceful community fish and get along well with other non-aggressive species.
Q4. How often should I feed Green King Cobra Guppies?
Feed them 2–3 small meals per day with a mix of flakes, live foods, and vegetables.
Q5. How many fry can a female Green King Cobra Guppy give birth to?
Females can give birth to 20–60 fry every 4–6 weeks, depending on their health and age.
Q6. Can Green King Cobra Guppies live with shrimps and snails?
Yes, they are compatible with peaceful invertebrates like shrimps and snails.
Q7. How long do Green King Cobra Guppies live?
With proper care, they live around 2–3 years on average.
Q8. What makes the Green King Cobra Guppy different from other guppies?
Its unique green snake-like cobra patterns, iridescent scales, and elegant tail shape set it apart from other guppy varieties.