Dumbo Ear Guppy

Poecilia reticulata var. Dumbo

The Dumbo Ear Guppy is the absolute extreme of ornamental selection. It is characterized by disproportionately large and colorful pectoral fins, which vividly recall the ears of the flying elephant Dumbo when swimming. The visual effect is stunning, but severely compromises hydrodynamics: the Dumbo struggles terribly to swim. It cannot tolerate strong water flows, which would exhaust it to death, and its slowness makes it the perfect prey for aggressive, fin-nipping fish. It requires calm, hard water and strictly peaceful tanks.

Family: Poeciliidae
Origin: Mutazione genetica iper-selezionata in Asia Centrale e Tailandia, caratterizzata dall'enorme sviluppo delle pinne pettorali.
Tank use: Used in 0 tanks

Temperature

22 °C - 28 °C

7 - 8.5

Water type

Freshwater

Tank level

All levels

Adult size

6 cm

Description

The Fin-Nippers' Banquet (The Live Bait Futile Deaf Mute):

The slowness and incredible showiness of the pectoral fins make the Dumbo the ideal target for any aggressive fish. Tiger Barbs, Buenos Aires Tetras, Angelfish or Bettas will mistake them for suspended food. They will start to nibble the fins until they tear them off completely, condemning the guppy to certain death by infection (fin rot). Breed them EXCLUSIVELY with peaceful bottom companions or in dedicated tanks.

Care and observations

The Lethal Current and the Inability to Swim (The Futile Blind Ballast):

A powerful filter is a death sentence for the Dumbo Ear. Unlike wild guppies, the enormous drag (hydrodynamic resistance) generated by its flapping ears and giant tail forces it into a monstrous energy expenditure. If there is current in the tank, the fish will fight relentlessly until its spine gives way or until it dies of exhaustion. It is CATEGORICAL to use a spraybar to disperse the flow or use air-driven filters.

Fish profile

Temperament: Estremamente Pacifico e Vulnerabile
Diet: Onnivoro. Micro-pellet per favorire i colori, chironomus e artemia.
Tank level: All levels
Adult size: 6 cm
GH: 10 dGH - 30 dGH
KH: n/a
TDS: n/a
Conductivity: n/a

Image gallery

Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.

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