LUMINOUS COBRA GUPPY

The Luminous Cobra Guppy (Poecilia reticulata) is a radiant and eye-catching guppy variety celebrated for its glowing, iridescent body and bold snakeskin-like “cobra” patterning. Its coloration ranges from metallic silver-blue or green to gold and red tones, depending on lighting and genetics, with dark rosettes or reticulations running along the body and tail. Under aquarium lights, the “luminous” effect gives this guppy a shimmering, almost neon glow—making it one of the most visually dynamic livebearers available.

Adult males typically reach about 1.5 inches (3.5–4 cm) and exhibit the brightest colors and most defined cobra patterning, while females grow up to 2.5 inches (6 cm) and display softer versions of the same markings. They’re peaceful, active, and perfect for aquarists looking to add constant color and motion to their aquarium.

Ideal water parameters:
Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C)
pH: 7.0–8.0
Hardness: 8–20 dGH

Tank setup:
The Luminous Cobra Guppy thrives in clean, well-filtered aquariums of 10 gallons or larger. Moderate lighting enhances their metallic sheen and pattern depth, especially against dark substrate or backgrounds. Provide a mix of open swimming space and vegetation—plants like Java Moss, Hornwort, and Water Sprite help fry hide and make the environment feel natural. Because they are livebearers, females can give birth every 4–6 weeks; dense plant cover improves fry survival.

Diet:
These guppies are omnivores that thrive on a diverse diet. Offer high-quality flakes or micro-pellets as a staple, supplemented with live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia. Vegetable-based foods like spirulina flakes or blanched zucchini keep their digestive systems healthy and enhance their luminous coloration.

Temperament and tankmates:
Luminous Cobra Guppies are peaceful and social fish that do well in groups and community aquariums. They pair perfectly with platies, mollies, endlers, swordtails, small rasboras, tetras, and corydoras. Avoid fin-nippers or aggressive tankmates that may damage their flowing fins.

In summary, the Luminous Cobra Guppy (Poecilia reticulata) is a brilliant, easy-to-care-for fish that adds shimmer and vitality to any freshwater aquarium. Its glowing body, intricate cobra pattern, and gentle demeanor make it a perfect choice for aquarists seeking both elegance and liveliness in a colorful community setup.