The Cobra Blue Guppy is a fancy strain of Poecilia reticulata, the common guppy, selectively bred to display a distinctive 'cobra' or reticulated pattern of dark irregular markings over a vivid blue base color, particularly on the posterior body and caudal peduncle. The tail fin is large, often a veil, fan, or delta shape, matching the blue and dark cobraskin pattern of the body. Females are larger, plainer, and silvery-gray with a gravid spot near the tail when pregnant.
Poecilia reticulata is native to the fresh and brackish waters of Trinidad, Venezuela, Barbados, and surrounding Caribbean regions, but has been introduced worldwide. The wild fish is a small, dull-colored fish — all the brilliant varieties seen in the hobby are products of over a century of selective breeding. Fancy guppies are among the most genetically variable domesticated fish, with hundreds of recognized strains.
Cobra Blue Guppies are peaceful, active livebearers that adapt readily to a range of conditions. They are highly prolific — females give birth to live fry without any intervention from the keeper. In a planted aquarium, the species will multiply rapidly if mixed-sex groups are kept. They are excellent fish for beginners learning about livebearer biology and genetics.
