Red Mosaic Big Ear Guppy: Complete Care Guide & Breeding Tips

The Red Mosaic Big Ear Guppy is a captivating ornamental fish beloved by aquarists around the globe. With its vibrant red mosaic tail, oversized pectoral fins resembling ears, and lively personality, this guppy variety has become a favorite for both beginners and seasoned fishkeepers. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the origins, characteristics, care requirements, breeding insights, tank mates, and more for the Red Mosaic Big Ear Guppy. Whether you’re planning to add one to your tank or just want to learn more, this article is your one-stop resource.

What Is a Red Mosaic Big Ear Guppy?

The Red Mosaic Big Ear Guppy is a selectively bred variety of guppy known for its vivid coloration and enlarged pectoral fins. The term “Big Ear” refers to the extended pectoral fins that resemble large ears flapping when the fish swims. The “Red Mosaic” part of the name points to the striking red and orange tail pattern resembling a stained-glass mosaic.

This guppy is a hybrid of several guppy strains, combining aesthetic traits to produce a fish that’s both beautiful and unique.

Origins and Genetics

Guppies (Poecilia reticulata) originate from South America, particularly in Venezuela, Barbados, Trinidad, and other Caribbean regions. Over the decades, breeders around the world have developed countless guppy strains by selectively breeding for tail shapes, colors, and patterns.

The Red Mosaic Big Ear strain emerged through careful cross-breeding between Big Ear Dumbo guppies and Mosaic guppies. The result is a visually dynamic guppy with:

• A bright red mosaic tail
• Distinctive dumbo-style pectoral fins
• Iridescent body coloration
• Smooth, gliding movements that enhance its elegance

Physical Appearance

The Red Mosaic Big Ear Guppy is a visual showstopper. Here are some of its notable physical features:

1. Coloration

• The tail and caudal peduncle display a brilliant red with mosaic patterns — a fine blend of red, orange, and sometimes white.
• The body often has silver, pale blue, or translucent scales that shimmer under light.
• The head may be solid or have color patches depending on the individual line.

2. Big Ear Fins

• The most prominent feature: large, flowing pectoral fins.
• These fins may be red, translucent, or bluish, depending on the breeding line.
• When the guppy swims, the big ears flutter, giving it a majestic appearance.

3. Size

• Males: ~1.5 to 2 inches
• Females: ~2 to 2.5 inches
• Females are typically larger and less colorful than males.

Aquarium Requirements

Caring for Red Mosaic Big Ear Guppies is relatively simple, making them suitable for aquarists of all experience levels. Here’s a breakdown of the ideal tank setup:

1. Tank Size

• Minimum: 10 gallons
• Ideal: 20 gallons or more for a colony

2. Water Parameters

• Temperature: 74°F to 82°F (23°C to 28°C)
• pH: 6.8 to 7.8
• Hardness: 8-12 dGH
• Ammonia & Nitrites: 0 ppm
• Nitrates: <20 ppm

3. Filtration and Aeration

• A sponge filter is preferred for fry safety.
• Gentle water flow is ideal as guppies are not strong swimmers.
• Regular water changes (20-30% weekly) help maintain water quality.

4. Lighting

• Moderate lighting enhances the guppies’ colors.
• LED lights work well and support plant growth if you’re keeping live plants.

5. Substrate and Decor

• Fine gravel or sand as substrate.
• Add live plants like Java Moss, Guppy Grass, or Anubias.
• Driftwood and caves offer hiding spots for fry and resting places for adults.

Diet and Feeding

Red Mosaic Big Ear Guppies are omnivores and enjoy a varied diet. Feeding them properly ensures vibrant colors, healthy growth, and increased longevity.

Recommended Diet:

• High-quality flake food (guppy-specific)
• Live foods: brine shrimp, daphnia, mosquito larvae
• Frozen foods: bloodworms, tubifex worms
• Vegetables: blanched spinach, zucchini, spirulina

Feeding Frequency:

• 2–3 small feedings daily
• Avoid overfeeding to prevent water pollution

Breeding Red Mosaic Big Ear Guppies

Guppies are livebearers and extremely prolific. With the right conditions, breeding this variety is straightforward.

Breeding Setup:

• Use a separate breeding tank (10–15 gallons) with gentle filtration and live plants.
• Maintain warm water around 78°F (25.5°C).
• Introduce 1 male and 2–3 females for best results.

Gestation and Fry:

• Gestation: 21–30 days
• Females give birth to 20–40 fry at a time.
• Remove adults after birth to protect the fry.

Raising Fry:

• Feed with infusoria, baby brine shrimp, or crushed flake food.
• Perform frequent water changes to maintain water quality.

Tank Mates

Red Mosaic Big Ear Guppies are peaceful and do well in community tanks. Choose tank mates with similar temperaments.

Suitable Tank Mates:

• Neon Tetras
• Corydoras Catfish
• Otocinclus
• Endler’s Livebearers
• Cherry Shrimp (if plenty of hiding spots exist)
• Mollies and Platies

Avoid:

• Aggressive fish like Tiger Barbs, Cichlids, or Bettas
• Fin-nippers that might damage the guppy’s large fins

Common Health Concerns

Even with ideal care, guppies can be prone to certain illnesses. Prevention is key.

1. Ich (White Spot Disease)

• Caused by parasites
• Treat with raised temperature and aquarium salt or ich medication

2. Fin Rot

• Bacterial infection, often from poor water quality
• Treated with antibiotics and clean water

3. Swim Bladder Disorder

• Can result from overfeeding or poor diet
• Fast the fish and feed boiled peas as treatment

4. Internal Parasites

• Symptoms: weight loss, stringy feces
• Use anti-parasitic medications like praziquantel or metronidazole

Prevention Tips:

• Quarantine new fish before adding them to the main tank
• Keep water parameters stable
• Avoid overfeeding

Why Choose the Red Mosaic Big Ear Guppy?

1. Stunning Visual Appeal

Their vivid colors and fluttering fins make them a true centerpiece in any aquarium.

2. Beginner-Friendly

They’re hardy, adaptable, and easy to care for.

3. Prolific Breeders

Ideal for those interested in breeding guppies and observing genetics.

4. Peaceful Community Members

Their calm nature makes them ideal for community aquariums.

Red Mosaic Big Ear Guppy vs Other Guppy Varieties

Buying Tips

When purchasing a Red Mosaic Big Ear Guppy, consider the following:

• Reputable source: Buy from experienced breeders or trusted pet stores.
• Healthy appearance: Look for clear eyes, intact fins, and active swimming.
• No signs of disease: Avoid fish with clamped fins, white spots, or lethargy.
• Quarantine: Always quarantine new arrivals for at least two weeks.

Price Range

Red Mosaic Big Ear Guppies are moderately priced depending on quality and age:

• Juveniles: $3–$5
• Adult males: $6–$12
• Breeding pairs: $10–$20
• High-grade show strains: $25 and up

Final Thoughts

The Red Mosaic Big Ear Guppy is a stunning and elegant freshwater fish that brings color, movement, and personality to your aquarium. Its ease of care, peaceful nature, and dazzling appearance make it a top choice among guppy enthusiasts. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced aquarist, adding these ornamental beauties to your tank will elevate your aquarium experience.

Let this eye-catching guppy transform your tank into a vibrant underwater display. With proper care and attention, your Red Mosaic Big Ear Guppies will thrive and mesmerize you every day.

FAQs About Red Mosaic Big Ear Guppies

1. Are Red Mosaic Big Ear Guppies easy to care for?

Yes, they’re beginner-friendly and adapt well to a variety of freshwater setups as long as basic water parameters are maintained.

2. Can I keep them in a community tank?

Absolutely! They are peaceful and get along well with other non-aggressive fish species.

3. How often should I feed my Red Mosaic Big Ear Guppies?

Feed them 2–3 times a day in small amounts they can consume within 1–2 minutes.

4. Do they need a heater?

Yes, to maintain a consistent temperature between 74°F to 82°F, a heater is recommended.

5. How can I enhance their colors?

Feed them a varied diet rich in live or frozen foods like brine shrimp and bloodworms, and ensure optimal water quality and lighting.

6. Can they live with shrimp?

Yes, especially with larger shrimp like Cherry or Amano shrimp. However, fry may be eaten by larger shrimp if hiding spots are lacking.

7. How long do Red Mosaic Big Ear Guppies live?

Typically, 2–3 years with proper care, diet, and water conditions.

8. Do they need live plants?

While not mandatory, live plants improve water quality, reduce stress, and offer hiding places for fry.

9. How often do guppies give birth?

Every 4–6 weeks. A single female can produce up to 40 fry at a time.

10. Can I keep just one Red Mosaic Big Ear Guppy?

They do best in groups. Keeping at least 3–6 guppies creates a more natural, less stressful environment.