The Dumbo Ear Guppy (also called Dumbo Guppy or Big Ear Guppy) is a selectively bred variety of guppy (Poecilia reticulata), named for its unusually large, elephant-ear-like pectoral fins....
The Dumbo Ear Guppy (also called Dumbo Guppy or Big Ear Guppy) is a selectively bred variety of guppy (Poecilia reticulata), named for its unusually large, elephant-ear-like pectoral fins. These guppies are prized for their unique appearance, vivid colors, and peaceful behavior, making them a favorite in freshwater aquariums.
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Common Name | Dumbo Ear Guppy / Elephant Ear Guppy |
Scientific Name | Poecilia reticulata |
Family | Poeciliidae |
Origin | South America (wild type); Dumbo from selective breeding |
Lifespan | 2–3 years (longer with excellent care) |
Size | Males: ~1.5 in (3.5–4 cm), Females: ~2.5 in (5–6 cm) |
Named after Dumbo the Elephant due to their large, rounded pectoral fins that resemble elephant ears.
These fins move constantly and gracefully, adding to their charm.
The trait is hereditary and selectively bred from guppies showing larger-than-normal pectoral fins.
Pectoral Fins: Enlarged and prominent, typically rounded or semi-round
Tail Shape: Varies—can be fan, delta, halfmoon, or lyretail
Color Variants:
Blue Dumbo
Purple Dumbo
Red Dumbo
Mosaic, Albino, Galaxy, or Koi Dumbo strains
Body: Slender in males, more robust in females (due to pregnancy)
Temperament: Peaceful, social, active
Schooling: Prefer groups of at least 5–6
Tank Level: Mid to top dwellers
Compatibility: Ideal with other peaceful fish like:
Mollies, Platies, Tetras, Rasboras
Corydoras, Shrimp, Snails
Avoid fin-nippers (e.g., Tiger Barbs, Serpae Tetras)
Parameter | Ideal Range |
---|---|
Tank Size | 10 gal min. (20+ gal preferred for groups) |
Water Temperature | 72–82°F (22–28°C) |
pH Range | 6.8–7.8 |
Hardness | 8–12 dGH |
Water Type | Freshwater, stable conditions |
Lighting | Moderate (brings out colors) |
Filtration | Gentle sponge filter preferred |
Provide plants, hiding spots, and open swimming space. Floating plants are great too.
Type: Omnivore
Staple Foods:
High-quality guppy pellets or flakes
Freeze-dried or frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia
Blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach, peas)
Feeding Schedule: 1–2 times daily, small amounts
Avoid overfeeding—guppies can develop digestive issues easily.
Common Issues | Prevention/Treatment |
---|---|
Fin Rot | Clean water, avoid fin-nippers |
Ich (White Spots) | Quarantine new fish, use aquarium salt |
Internal Parasites | Quality food, occasional anti-parasitic meds |
Stress from overstocking | Keep appropriate tank size and ratios |
Lifespan: 2–3 years; good genetics and tank care can extend this to 4–5 years.
Type: Livebearers (females give birth to free-swimming fry)
Gestation Period: ~28 days
Male-to-Female Ratio: 1 male to 2–3 females (to reduce stress)
Breeding Behavior: Males constantly court females
Fry Care:
Separate or heavily plant tank to prevent adult predation
Feed fry powdered food, infusoria, or baby brine shrimp
A single female can birth 20–50 fry per cycle.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Beautiful and unique appearance | Fins can be delicate |
Active and peaceful | Can be harassed by aggressive tankmates |
Easy to breed and keep | Needs frequent tank maintenance |
Great for beginners and community tanks | Sensitive to poor water quality |
Dumbo guppies are not a separate species, but a designer morph of the common guppy.
The dumbo trait is recessive—breeding dumbo to non-dumbo often loses the trait.
Despite their fins, they are fast swimmers and great in groups.
Trait | Info |
---|---|
Size | M: ~1.5 in, F: ~2.5 in |
Lifespan | 2–3 years (up to 5 with care) |
Behavior | Peaceful, social, active |
Breeding | Livebearer, easy to breed |
Diet | Omnivore (varied diet recommended) |
Ideal Tankmates | Peaceful community fish |
Special Feature | Large pectoral “elephant” fins |
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