Dumbo Ear Guppy

The Dumbo Ear Guppy, also known as the Elephant Ear Guppy, is a stunning fancy guppy variety distinguished by its extra-large, wing-like pectoral fins that resemble elephant ears. These flowing side fins give the fish a graceful, floating appearance, making it one of the most elegant and visually unique guppies available today.

Scientific Name: Poecilia reticulata
Common Names: Dumbo Ear Guppy, Elephant Ear Guppy
Difficulty Level: Easy
Category: Fancy Guppy

Appearance & Physical Characteristics

Pectoral Fins (Dumbo Ears)

• Defining Feature: Oversized pectoral fins

• Shape: Rounded, wing-like, flowing

• Movement: Slow, graceful flapping similar to flying

• Size: Significantly larger than standard guppy pectoral fins

These fins give the Dumbo Ear Guppy its iconic look and set it apart from all other guppy varieties.

Coloration & Variants

Dumbo Ear Guppies come in a wide range of body and fin color combinations:

Popular Varieties

• Dumbo Ear Moscow Blue

• Dumbo Ear Red

• Dumbo Ear Yellow

• Dumbo Ear White

• Dumbo Ear Black

• Dumbo Ear Multicolor

Often, the ears are a contrasting color (white, blue, or transparent), creating a dramatic visual effect.

Tail & Body

• Tail Types: Delta, round, or fan-shaped

• Body: Slim, elegant, sometimes metallic

• Males: More colorful with larger ears

• Females: Larger body, shorter fins, less color

Size

• Males: 3.5–4 cm (1.4–1.6 inches)

• Females: 5–6 cm (2–2.5 inches)

Behavior & Temperament

Dumbo Ear Guppies are peaceful, calm, and social.

• Swim gracefully rather than rapidly

• Males display fins during courtship

• Non-aggressive and community-safe

• Thrive best in small groups

Their slow, elegant swimming makes them extremely relaxing to observe.

Tank Requirements

Tank Size

• Minimum: 10 gallons (40 liters)

• Larger tanks recommended for better fin movement

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 22–28°C (72–82°F)

• pH: 6.8–7.8

• Hardness: Moderate (8–15 dGH)

Stable water conditions are crucial to maintain fin health.

Tank Setup

• Gentle filtration (strong currents hinder ear movement)

• Live plants: Java moss, guppy grass, hornwort

• Open swimming space

• Smooth décor (avoid sharp edges)

• Moderate lighting to enhance fin visibility

Weekly water changes (20–30%) are recommended.

Diet & Feeding

Dumbo Ear Guppies are omnivorous.

Recommended Diet

• High-quality guppy flakes or micro pellets

• Live/Frozen foods:

  • Brine shrimp

  • Daphnia

  • Bloodworms (occasionally)

• Plant-based foods:

  • Spirulina flakes

  • Blanched vegetables

Feeding Frequency:
2–3 small meals per day

A nutritious diet supports fin growth and color vibrancy.

Tank Mates

Suitable Tank Mates

• Other guppies

• Mollies and platies

• Tetras and rasboras

• Corydoras catfish

• Peaceful shrimp

Avoid

• Fin-nipping fish

• Aggressive or fast-swimming species

The large pectoral fins are delicate and prone to damage.

Breeding & Genetics

Dumbo Ear Guppies are livebearers.

• Gestation Period: 25–30 days

• Fry per birth: 20–50

Breeding Notes

• Male:female ratio: 1:2 or 1:3

• Dense plants protect fry

• Fry Food:

  • Baby brine shrimp

  • Finely crushed flakes

Selective breeding is essential to maintain large, symmetrical ears.

Health & Common Issues

Common Problems

• Torn pectoral fins

• Fin rot

• Stress-related fin clamping

• Ich (white spot disease)

Prevention

• Clean, stable water

• Gentle water flow

• Smooth decorations

• Quarantine new fish

Healthy Dumbo Ear Guppies swim with fully extended, flowing ears.

Lifespan

Average lifespan: 2–3 years

Proper care and low stress help maximize lifespan.