Dumbo Ear Guppy

Looks how to spot one

Scales and fins

The Dumbo Ear Guppy is a selectively bred variety of the common guppy, distinguished by its unusually large, rounded pectoral fins that resemble elephant ears. These fins are often black, blue or purple and contrast vividly with the body. Males are smaller and far more colourful than females, displaying silver to blue bodies with red dorsal and tail fins that may have dark spots or markings. Females are larger, duller in colour and have only slightly enlarged pectoral fins.21

Personality what they are like

Dumbo Ear Guppies are peaceful, social and constantly active. Males court females with frantic swimming displays. However, their huge fins make them poor swimmers and vulnerable to bullying. They must never be kept with fin-nipping fish such as tiger barbs or overly lively platies. Ideal tankmates are small tetras, rasboras, corydoras, dwarf shrimp or a species-only tank.214

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Low to moderate. They are active swimmers but cannot cope with strong water currents. Provide a calm tank with plenty of resting spots such as broad-leaved plants (e.g. Anubias) and floating plants. A sponge filter is recommended to avoid exhausting them.14

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Low maintenance but requires stable water conditions. Perform weekly water changes of 20-25%. Use a gentle sponge filter. Avoid strong currents. Keep water hard and slightly salty (non-iodised aquarium salt) to mimic their preferred conditions. Monitor temperature and pH regularly.14

Home where they are happiest

Minimum 10-gallon (38 litre) aquarium. Water temperature 22-28°C (72-82°F), pH 6.5-7.8, hardness 10-30 dKH. Provide a well-planted tank with soft substrate (fine gravel or sand) and plenty of hiding places. Floating plants help them feel secure. Use a gentle sponge filter; avoid strong power filters.2314

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Omnivore. Feed high-quality flake or micro-pellet food as a staple. Supplement with live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia and bloodworms. Also offer algae-based foods and blanched vegetables. Feed small amounts twice daily. Because Dumbo Ear Guppies are slower swimmers, scatter food so they get their share.214

Company who they like around

Peaceful and social. Keep in groups with a ratio of at least two or three females per male to reduce harassment. They are livebearers and breed readily. Provide a separate breeding tank or breeding box to protect fry. Do not house with fin-nipping or aggressive fish.14

The story where it all began

The Dumbo Ear Guppy is a selectively bred variety of the common guppy (Poecilia reticulata), which is native to northeast South America. The oversized pectoral fin trait, known as 'Big Ear', originated from an Asian mutation. Breeders in Russia and Asia then crossed this mutation with Moscow or Tuxedo guppy strains to create the exaggerated 'elephant ear' fins seen today. This variety is purely ornamental and does not occur in the wild. The enlarged fins make swimming difficult, so these fish require special care compared to standard guppies.16