Blue Cobra Guppy | Care Guide – Breeding, Tank Setup, and More…

The Blue Cobra guppy is a popular breed of fancy guppy. They are characterized by their striking blue coloration and snake-like pattern on their bodies. Male Blue Cobra guppies have a dark blue body with an orange and black-spotted tail and dorsal fin. Females are typically less colorful, but they can still be quite attractive. In this Blue Guppy Care Guide we will cover how to set up a tank, breeding blue cobra guppies and disease prevention and treatment.

Origin

The Blue Cobra guppy is a selectively bred variety of the Poecilia reticulata guppy, which is native to South America. The Blue Cobra guppy was first developed in the early 2000s and has since become one of the most popular fancy guppies in the world.

It is not entirely clear where the Blue Cobra guppy was first bred, but it is believed to have originated in Southeast Asia. The Blue Cobra guppy was likely bred by crossing different strains of guppies in order to achieve the desired coloration and pattern.

Interestingly, the Blue Cobra guppy is not the only type of cobra guppy. There are also red, green, and yellow cobra guppies, as well as cobra guppies with different patterns, such as the mosaic cobra guppy. All of these cobra guppies are selectively bred varieties of the Poecilia reticulata guppy.

Appearance And Size

Blue Cobra guppies are one of the most beautiful and striking varieties of guppy. They are known for their bright blue coloration and snake-like pattern on their bodies. Male Blue Cobra guppies have a dark blue body with an orange and black-spotted tail and dorsal fin. Females are typically less colorful, but they can still be quite attractive, with silver or gold bodies and some blue coloration in their fins.

Blue Cobra guppies are relatively small fish, with males typically reaching a maximum size of 2.5 inches (6.3 cm) and females reaching a maximum size of 3 inches (7.6 cm).

The cobra pattern on Blue Cobra guppies is created by a combination of genes and environmental factors. The genes determine the basic pattern, while the environment, such as water temperature and pH, can affect the intensity of the colors.

Blue Cobra guppies are a popular choice for freshwater aquariums due to their beautiful appearance and relatively easy care requirements. They are also social tropical fish and enjoy living in groups of six or more.

Blue Cobra Guppy Care Guide

Tank Setup and Requirements 

Tank Size 

The best size tank for a Blue Cobra Guppy is a 10 gallon size tank if you have a group of less than 5 fish. If you plan on having more than 5 fish you should move up to a larger tank like a 20 gallon to 55 gallon tank. The larger the tank the easier it is to keep the water clean and clear.

Filtration

Water quality is the most important part of keeping fish in your Blue Cobra Guppies tank. A high-quality filtration system is one of the most important pieces of equipment you will buy. One of the best options is the Fluval Aquaclear Power Filter, known for its reliability and customizable filtration. Another excellent choice is the Eheim Classic External Canister Filter, its quiet operation and efficient mechanical and biological filtration.

Substrate Choices:

For substrate, consider choosing fine gravel, aqua soil or sand. These options are ideal as they are easy to clean, provide a natural appearance, and allow for the rooting of live plants. Brands like CaribSea Eco-Complete and Seachem Flourite Black Sand offer great options that are rich in essential minerals to support plant growth.

Plant Selection:

Adding live plants to your Blue Cobra Guppies tank not only creates a better visual effect but also contributes to a healthy ecosystem. Some of the best plant options include Java Moss, known for providing hiding spots and surfaces for beneficial microorganisms. Anacharis, often called the waterweed, is an excellent choice due to its fast growth and the fact that guppies enjoy nibbling on its fine leaves. Additionally, consider Hornwort, which not only provides shelter but also helps maintain water quality through its efficient nutrient uptake.

Heating Solutions:

A stable temperature is also important for the well-being of Blue Cobra Guppies. The Eheim Jager series is a well-regarded choice, known for its accuracy and durability. The Fluval Heater is another option, featuring a digital display for precise temperature control.

Steps for setting up your tank :

1. Choose a location for your tank. The tank should be placed in a level spot where it will not receive direct sunlight.
2. Clean the tank. Rinse the tank with water to remove any dust or debris. Do not use soap or detergent, as this can be harmful to fish.
3. Add the substrate. Add a 2-3 inch layer of substrate to the bottom of the tank.
4. Add the decorations. Rinse the decorations thoroughly before adding them to the tank. Be careful not to overcrowd the tank with decorations, as guppies need plenty of swimming space.
5. Fill the tank with water. Use dechlorinated water to fill the tank. You can use a water conditioner to remove chlorine and other harmful chemicals from the water.
6. Install the filter, heater, and air pump. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install the equipment.
7. Cycle the tank. This involves establishing a colony of beneficial bacteria in the tank. The bacteria will help to break down fish waste and other toxins. To cycle the tank, add a small amount of fish food to the water every day for a week. Do not add any fish to the tank during this time.
8. Test the water. Once the tank has cycled, test the water to make sure that the parameters are within the safe range for guppies. The ideal water temperature for guppies is 72-78 degrees Fahrenheit. The pH should be between 6.5 and 7.5.
9. Add the guppies. Start by adding a few guppies to the tank and monitor them closely for any signs of stress. If the guppies seem to be doing well, you can add more fish to the tank gradually.

Once the tank has cycled, you can add your guppies. Start with a small number of fish and add more

Feeding

Blue Cobra Guppies are omnivores and will eat a variety of foods, including flake food, live food, and frozen food. It is important to feed your guppies a high-quality diet to ensure that they stay healthy and keep good color.

A good feeding schedule for freshwater tropical fish is to feed them two to three times per day, small amounts at a time. You should avoid overfeeding your guppies, as this can lead to water quality problems.

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before feeding your fish.
2. Measure out a small amount of food, about enough as your fish can eat in two minutes.
3. Sprinkle the food over the surface of the water.
4. Observe your fish eating to make sure all the fish are getting food and that they are not overeating.
5. If there is any food left over after two minutes, remove it from the tank.

Guppies need a need a varied diet for optimal health and color. Here are some specific foods and brands to consider:

• High-Quality Flakes/Pellets: Look for guppy-specific flakes or pellets from reputable brands like Hikari and Omega One. These foods provide essential nutrients and promote coloration.
• Live and Frozen Foods: Guppies enjoy occasional treats like daphnia, brine shrimp, and bloodworms. Brands such as San Francisco Bay and Ocean Nutrition offer quality frozen foods.
• Vegetables: Supplement their diet with blanched vegetables like zucchini and spinach. These provide fiber and help prevent constipation.
• Feeding Schedule: Offer small portions 2-3 times a day, ensuring they consume the food within a few minutes to prevent overfeeding.
• Variety: Rotate between different types of food to provide a well-rounded diet and enhance their coloration.

Disease

Like all aquarium fish, Blue Cobra Guppies guppies can be susceptible to various diseases. Prevention and early detection are key to maintaining their health.

Disease	Symptoms	Treatment and Prevention
Ich (White Spot)	White cysts on the skin and gills, flashing, rubbing against objects.	Increase temperature to 86-88°F (30-31°C) for a few days. Add aquarium salt. Quarantine new fish. Maintain good water quality.
Fin Rot	Tattered fins, inflammation, and discoloration.	Improve water quality. Treat with antibiotics if necessary. Maintain a clean tank and perform regular water changes.
Dropsy	Swollen abdomen, raised scales, and loss of appetite.	Quarantine affected fish. Provide antibiotic treatment as advised by a vet. Maintain good water quality.
Velvet Disease	Tiny gold or rust-colored spots on the skin. Scratching against objects.	Increase temperature and add copper-based medication. Quarantine affected fish.
Internal Parasites	Weight loss, bloated appearance, and abnormal feces.	Use anti-parasitic medications. Maintain a clean tank and ensure proper nutrition. Quarantine new fish before adding them to the tank.

Regularly observe your Blue Cobra Guppies for any signs of illness and quarantine affected individuals promptly to prevent the spread of disease.

Here are some tips on how to prevent diseases in your Blue Cobra Guppies:

• Start with healthy fish. Avoid buying fish that are lethargic or have cloudy eyes.
• Quarantine new fish for two to three weeks before adding them to your main aquarium. This will help to prevent the spread of any diseases.
• Maintain good water quality. Perform regular water changes and clean the tank filter and heater regularly.
• Feed your fish a high-quality diet. Avoid overfeeding your fish, as this can lead to water quality problems.
• Monitor your fish regularly for signs of disease. If you notice any fish that are showing signs of disease, it is important to isolate them from the other fish and treat them immediately.

Tank Mates

Blue Cobra Guppies are peaceful fish that can be kept with other community fish of similar size and temperament. Some good tank mates for Blue Cobra Guppies include:

• Neon tetras
• Zebra danios
• Corydoras catfish
• Platies
• Swordtails
• Mollies

Breeding

Breeding Blue Cobra Guppies is relatively easy in captivity. If you are interested in breeding Blue Cobra Guppies, it is important to have a separate breeding tank. The breeding tank should be planted with floating plants to provide cover for the fry.

To breed Blue Cobra Guppies, simply place a male and female guppy in the breeding tank. The female will become pregnant within a few days. The gestation period for guppies is around 21 to 30 days.

Once the female guppy is pregnant, she will develop a dark spot on her abdomen. This spot is called the gravid spot and it is a sign that the female is close to giving birth.

When the female guppy is ready to give birth, she will isolate herself from the other fish. She will then give birth to live fry. The fry will be very small and will need to be fed a diet of infusoria or baby brine shrimp until they are large enough to eat regular food.

Here are some additional tips for breeding Blue Cobra Guppies:

• Use healthy and well-fed fish for breeding.
• Keep the breeding tank clean and well-maintained.
• Provide the fish with a variety of foods to ensure that they are getting the nutrients they need.
• Remove the male guppy from the breeding tank after the female has given birth.
• Feed the fry a diet of infusoria or baby brine shrimp until they are large enough to eat regular food.

Where to buy and average price

Blue Cobra Guppies can be purchased from a variety of sources, including:

• Local fish stores: This is a great option if you want to see the fish in person before you buy them. You can also ask the staff questions about the fish and their care requirements.
• Online fish retailers: This is a convenient option if you can’t find Blue Cobra Guppies at your local fish store. However, it is important to choose a reputable online retailer that offers healthy fish and a live arrival guarantee.
• Aquarium clubs and breeders: Aquarium clubs and breeders are often a great source of high-quality Blue Cobra Guppies. You can find aquarium clubs and breeders in your area by searching online or contacting your local fish store.

The average price of a Blue Cobra Guppy varies depending on the source and the quality of the fish. However, most Blue Cobra Guppies can be purchased for between $2 and $5 each from local store. If you are planning on purchasing from a breeder you can plan on spending $10-$25 per a fish.