By weeebooo70@gmail.com 
The Dumbo Ear Koi Guppy is one of the most breathtaking guppy strains in the ornamental fish world. Combining the oversized pectoral fins of Dumbo Ear guppies with the vivid koi-inspired coloration, this guppy has become a favorite among aquarium hobbyists. Its flowing fins, vibrant patterns, and playful personality make it a centerpiece in both beginner and advanced aquariums.
This guide provides everything you need to know about Dumbo Ear Koi Guppies, including their origins, physical appearance, tank requirements, feeding habits, breeding, tank mates, and how to keep them healthy and thriving.
Origins of the Dumbo Ear Koi Guppy
The guppy (Poecilia reticulata) originates from freshwater rivers and streams in South America, particularly in Venezuela, Guyana, and northern Brazil. Over the years, breeders worldwide developed numerous strains through selective breeding.
- “Dumbo Ear” refers to the large, rounded pectoral fins that resemble elephant ears, flowing gracefully when the guppy swims.
- “Koi” highlights the coloration inspired by Japanese koi fish, featuring shades of red, orange, black, and white.
The Dumbo Ear Koi Guppy is therefore a selectively bred variety, showcasing both unique finnage and koi-like coloration, making it one of the most visually striking guppies available.
Physical Appearance of Dumbo Ear Koi Guppies
The Dumbo Ear Koi Guppy is admired for its oversized fins and koi-inspired colors.
- Pectoral Fins: Their most distinguishing feature is the pair of oversized “elephant ear” fins. These can be nearly half the body length, adding elegance to their movement.
- Coloration: True to its name, it displays koi-inspired shades of bright red, orange, black, and white. Some may have patches resembling koi patterns, while others feature more uniform coloring.
- Tail and Dorsal Fin: Often fan-shaped, triangular, or lyre-shaped, complementing the pectoral fins.
- Size:
- Males grow up to 1.5–2 inches.
- Females can reach 2.5 inches.
- Body Shape: Males are slender with intense coloration, while females are bulkier with less vivid colors but still retain the koi markings.
Behavior and Temperament
Dumbo Ear Koi Guppies are peaceful, active, and playful fish. They thrive in groups and rarely display aggression. Males may chase females during breeding, but overall, they are social community fish.
They constantly swim around the tank, showcasing their unique fins and colors, making them a living piece of art in the aquarium.
Tank Requirements for Dumbo Ear Koi Guppies
To ensure your Dumbo Ear Koi Guppies live healthy, vibrant lives, setting up the proper tank environment is essential.
Tank Size
- A 10-gallon tank can house a small group.
- For larger colonies or community tanks, a 20–30 gallon setup is recommended.
Water Parameters
- Temperature: 74–82°F (23–28°C)
- pH: 6.8–7.8
- Hardness: 8–12 dGH
- Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
- Nitrate: Below 20 ppm
Maintaining stable water parameters helps prevent stress and disease.
Filtration and Aeration
- A sponge filter or hang-on-back filter provides gentle water flow and good filtration.
- Avoid strong currents since their long fins can make swimming in fast water tiring.
Lighting
Moderate LED lighting enhances their koi-like coloration, making reds and oranges glow.
Plants and Decorations
- Plants: Guppy grass, Java moss, hornwort, and Anubias create hiding spots.
- Decorations: Smooth rocks, caves, and driftwood add variety but should not have sharp edges that can damage delicate fins.
Diet of Dumbo Ear Koi Guppies
A well-rounded diet ensures their health, growth, and vibrant coloration.
Staple Foods
- High-quality guppy flakes or micro-pellets designed for tropical fish.
Protein Foods
- Live or frozen brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, and mosquito larvae for boosting energy and breeding health.
Vegetable Matter
- Spirulina-based flakes, blanched spinach, zucchini, and cucumber provide necessary fiber and nutrients.
Feeding Frequency
- Feed 2–3 times daily in small portions they can finish within 2 minutes.
A diet rich in carotenoids helps intensify their orange and red hues, keeping them glowing like koi fish.
Breeding Dumbo Ear Koi Guppies
Like all guppies, Dumbo Ear Koi Guppies are livebearers, meaning females give birth to live fry instead of laying eggs. Breeding is simple, but maintaining the koi coloration requires selective breeding.
Male vs Female Identification
- Males: Smaller, more colorful, and with elongated fins.
- Females: Larger, bulkier, with a visible gravid spot.
Breeding Setup
- Use a separate breeding tank with dense plants or breeding traps to protect fry.
- Keep water temperature around 78°F to encourage breeding.
Gestation and Fry Care
- Females give birth every 28–30 days, producing 20–60 fry.
- Adults may eat their fry, so separating them ensures survival.
- Fry thrive on crushed flakes, baby brine shrimp, or liquid fry food.
Selective breeding ensures that koi patterns and Dumbo Ear fin traits are preserved.
Common Health Issues in Dumbo Ear Koi Guppies
Although hardy, Dumbo Ear Koi Guppies are susceptible to certain conditions if care is neglected.
- Ich (White Spot Disease): Small white dots appear on the body. Treat with aquarium salt and Ich-specific medication.
- Fin Rot: Caused by poor water quality or bacterial infection. Prevent with clean water and treat with antibacterial remedies.
- Swim Bladder Disorder: Leads to swimming issues, often caused by overfeeding. Manage by feeding fiber-rich foods and avoiding excessive dry food.
- Velvet Disease: Parasite infection that gives a golden, dusty look. Treat with copper-based medications.
- Dropsy: Severe bacterial infection causing bloating and raised scales. Requires immediate treatment with antibiotics.
Maintaining water quality, avoiding overcrowding, and providing a balanced diet are the best prevention methods.
Tank Mates for Dumbo Ear Koi Guppies
These guppies are peaceful and compatible with many community fish.
Good Tank Mates
- Other guppies
- Mollies, platies, and swordtails
- Corydoras catfish
- Neon tetras, cardinal tetras, and rasboras
- Cherry shrimp and snails
Tank Mates to Avoid
- Aggressive species like tiger barbs
- Large cichlids that may attack or eat guppies
- Bettas that may nip at their fins
Choosing peaceful companions ensures a stress-free aquarium environment.
Why Choose Dumbo Ear Koi Guppies?
- Unique Appearance: Oversized Dumbo fins and koi-inspired coloration.
- Peaceful Temperament: Ideal for community aquariums.
- Beginner-Friendly: Hardy and easy to care for.
- Breeding Opportunities: Great for selective breeding enthusiasts.
- Vibrant Movement: Active swimmers that bring constant life to tanks.
Tips for Enhancing the Color of Dumbo Ear Koi Guppies
- Feed color-enhancing foods rich in carotenoids and spirulina.
- Provide proper lighting to showcase their vibrant patterns.
- Maintain stable water quality to avoid stress that dulls colors.
- Avoid overcrowding to reduce competition and stress.
- Practice selective breeding to strengthen koi-like traits in fry.
Lifespan of Dumbo Ear Koi Guppies
On average, Dumbo Ear Koi Guppies live 2–3 years. With optimal care, including stable water conditions and a healthy diet, some can reach up to 4 years.
Cost and Availability
Dumbo Ear Koi Guppies are widely available in pet shops, aquarium clubs, and online breeders. Prices vary depending on quality:
- Standard strains are inexpensive and easy to find.
- Show-quality pairs with intense koi coloration and large Dumbo fins are more expensive.
FAQs about Dumbo Ear Koi Guppies
Q1: How big do Dumbo Ear Koi Guppies grow?
Males reach about 2 inches, while females grow up to 2.5 inches.
Q2: Do Dumbo Ear Koi Guppies need a heater?
Yes, they require tropical temperatures between 74–82°F, so a heater is recommended.
Q3: Can Dumbo Ear Koi Guppies live in bowls?
No, bowls are not suitable. A minimum of a 10-gallon aquarium with filtration is required.
Q4: How often should Dumbo Ear Koi Guppies be fed?
They should be fed 2–3 times daily in small amounts.
Q5: Do Dumbo Ear Koi Guppies eat their babies?
Yes, like most guppies, they may eat fry. It’s best to separate fry into a nursery tank.
Q6: Are Dumbo Ear Koi Guppies good for beginners?
Yes, they are hardy, adaptable, and easy to care for, making them beginner-friendly.
Q7: Can Dumbo Ear Koi Guppies live with shrimp?
Yes, they are peaceful and safe with shrimp, though very small shrimp fry may be eaten.
Q8: What makes Dumbo Ear Koi Guppies special?
Their combination of koi-inspired coloration and Dumbo-style oversized fins makes them one of the most unique guppy strains.