By weeebooo70@gmail.com 
Among the many varieties of guppies admired by aquarium enthusiasts, the Yellow King Cobra Guppy stands out for its bold cobra-like patterns combined with a vibrant yellow hue. Its long, flowing fins and active swimming style make it one of the most striking fish to add to a freshwater aquarium.
If you are a hobbyist looking to add unique color and movement to your tank, or if you want to learn more about selectively bred guppies, this guide is for you. We’ll cover everything you need to know about Yellow King Cobra Guppies—from their origin and appearance to care, tank setup, breeding, diet, and common health tips.
What is a Yellow King Cobra Guppy?
The Yellow King Cobra Guppy (Poecilia reticulata) is a selectively bred strain of guppy known for its snake-like body pattern resembling a cobra’s scales. Unlike standard King Cobra guppies, which often come in red or multicolored forms, this variety has yellow as its dominant color, making it a rare and eye-catching aquarium fish.
Its tail fin often displays a lace or mosaic-like yellow design over black or pale patterns. This fish’s energetic nature and contrasting coloration make it a favorite for aquascaping and ornamental tanks.
Key Features of Yellow King Cobra Guppies
- Coloration: Dominated by bright yellow with black lace or snakeskin markings.
- Body Pattern: Intricate cobra-like mosaic extending from body to fins.
- Fins: Flowing caudal fins with striking yellow lace patterns.
- Eyes: Dark or reddish, depending on genetics.
- Size: Males reach 1.5–2 inches, females grow slightly larger at 2–2.5 inches.
- Temperament: Peaceful, social, and active swimmers.
- Lifespan: 2–3 years with proper care.
Origin and Development of the Yellow King Cobra Guppy
The King Cobra line of guppies was developed through selective breeding of snakeskin guppies, where breeders focused on enhancing body markings that resembled the scales of a cobra snake. Over time, different color morphs emerged, including yellow, which was stabilized into the Yellow King Cobra strain.
This variety is especially popular among breeders in Asia and Europe, often showcased in guppy competitions for its vibrant contrast and elaborate patterns.
Yellow King Cobra Guppy Tank Setup
Creating the right environment ensures your guppies live longer, stay healthier, and display their brightest colors.
Tank Size
- A 10-gallon tank works for a small group (3–6 guppies).
- For breeding colonies, 20–30 gallons is recommended.
Water Parameters
- Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C)
- pH: 6.8–7.8
- Hardness: 8–12 dGH
- Filtration: Gentle sponge or hang-on-back filter to maintain water quality.
Substrate and Plants
- Substrate: Fine gravel or sand.
- Plants: Use live plants like Guppy Grass, Java Moss, Hornwort, and Rotala to enhance the natural look and provide shelter.
- Lighting: Medium to bright lighting brings out their yellow coloration.
Decorations
- Driftwood, smooth stones, and caves provide hiding spaces.
- Avoid sharp-edged ornaments that may damage their delicate fins.
Tank Mates for Yellow King Cobra Guppies
Yellow King Cobra Guppies are peaceful and thrive in community tanks. However, they should not be housed with aggressive or fin-nipping fish.
Compatible Tank Mates:
- Other guppies and Endler’s livebearers
- Small tetras (Neon, Cardinal, Ember)
- Rasboras
- Corydoras catfish
- Mollies and platies
- Snails and shrimp
Avoid:
- Barbs (Tiger Barbs in particular)
- Bettas (aggressive males)
- Cichlids and larger predatory fish
Feeding Yellow King Cobra Guppies
A healthy diet ensures bright colors, strong immunity, and successful breeding.
Best Food Options:
- High-quality flakes: Specifically designed for tropical or guppy fish.
- Micro-pellets: Balanced nutrition in small, digestible form.
- Live foods: Brine shrimp, daphnia, mosquito larvae (enhance color and activity).
- Frozen foods: Bloodworms, cyclops, tubifex.
- Vegetable diet: Blanched zucchini, cucumber, spinach, and spirulina.
Feed 2–3 times a day in small portions that they can consume within 2–3 minutes.
Breeding Yellow King Cobra Guppies
One of the biggest joys of keeping guppies is their ease of breeding. The Yellow King Cobra Guppy, like all guppies, is a livebearer.
Breeding Setup
- Use a 10–15 gallon breeding tank with dense plants or spawning mops.
- Maintain warm water (78–80°F) to encourage breeding.
- Keep a ratio of 1 male to 2–3 females.
Gestation and Fry Care
- Gestation lasts 21–30 days.
- Females can give birth to 20–60 fry at once.
- Move the female to a breeding tank before giving birth.
- After delivery, remove the mother to prevent fry predation.
Feeding Fry
- First foods: Infusoria, powdered fry food, or baby brine shrimp.
- Feed multiple times daily in small amounts for fast growth.
- Provide hiding spaces like Java moss for protection.
Common Health Issues in Yellow King Cobra Guppies
Like other fancy guppies, Yellow King Cobra Guppies can be prone to some common aquarium diseases.
Common Diseases:
- Ich (White Spot Disease): White spots caused by parasites.
- Fin Rot: Bacterial infection affecting long fins.
- Velvet Disease: Gold dust-like coating on the skin caused by parasites.
- Swim Bladder Disorder: Poor diet or overfeeding can cause buoyancy problems.
Prevention Tips:
- Perform weekly water changes (25–30%).
- Quarantine new fish before adding them to the main tank.
- Provide a balanced diet.
- Keep water parameters stable.
Why Choose Yellow King Cobra Guppies?
- Unique Look: Bright yellow cobra-like patterns make them stand out.
- Peaceful Nature: Suitable for community tanks.
- Breeding Potential: Easy to breed, with high fry survival rates in proper conditions.
- Aquascaping Value: Adds vibrant contrast to green planted aquariums.
- Show Fish Quality: Often used in competitions and exhibitions.
Tips for Keeping Yellow King Cobra Guppies Healthy
- Keep them in groups of at least 6 for social interaction.
- Perform regular water testing to ensure stable conditions.
- Add aquarium salt (in low doses) occasionally to prevent fungal infections.
- Provide a mix of live, frozen, and dry foods for best coloration.
- Avoid overcrowding the tank to reduce stress.
FAQs About Yellow King Cobra Guppy
1. Are Yellow King Cobra Guppies beginner-friendly?
Yes, they are suitable for beginners as long as water conditions are stable and they are not kept with aggressive tank mates.
2. How long do Yellow King Cobra Guppies live?
They usually live 2–3 years, depending on care, diet, and tank conditions.
3. What makes them different from other guppies?
The cobra snakeskin pattern combined with vibrant yellow coloration sets them apart from standard guppies.
4. How many fry can a female produce?
A single female can produce 20–60 fry per batch, giving birth every 4–6 weeks.
5. Do Yellow King Cobra Guppies need a heater?
Yes, they are tropical fish and thrive in temperatures between 72–82°F.
6. Can they live with shrimp and snails?
Yes, they are peaceful and safe with shrimp, snails, and other small invertebrates.
7. What is the best way to enhance their colors?
Feeding live foods, maintaining clean water, and using bright aquarium lighting will enhance their yellow tones.
8. Are Yellow King Cobra Guppies expensive?
They are considered a premium guppy strain, so prices can be higher than common guppies, especially for high-quality breeding pairs.
Final Thoughts
The Yellow King Cobra Guppy is a breathtaking addition to any freshwater aquarium. With its striking yellow coloration, cobra-like body patterns, and graceful fin movements, it brings both beauty and personality to community tanks.
Easy to care for, peaceful in temperament, and simple to breed, these guppies are perfect for both beginners and experienced aquarists. With the right care, diet, and environment, your Yellow King Cobra Guppies will thrive, brighten up your aquarium, and even reward you with multiple generations of fry.
If you’re looking for a guppy that combines rarity, elegance, and charm, the Yellow King Cobra Guppy is the ideal choice.