Dumbo Ear Dragon Guppy Care: Breeding, and Tank Setup Tips -

The Dumbo Ear Dragon Guppy is a hybrid guppy variety known for its distinctively large pectoral fins that resemble elephant ears—hence the name “Dumbo Ear.” These dramatic fins flutter elegantly as the fish swims, creating a mesmerizing display of grace and beauty.

Pair that with the “Dragon” coloration—typically a deep, iridescent body with striking, patterned tails—and you get one of the most sought-after ornamental fish in the guppy world. These guppies are a result of selective breeding, combining the best features of the Dragon guppy strain with the Dumbo Ear trait.

Table of Contents

Origin and Background

Guppies (Poecilia reticulata) originate from South America and the Caribbean. However, the Dumbo Ear Dragon Guppy is not found in the wild. It is a product of advanced breeding techniques, often developed and perfected in Thailand, Indonesia, and other parts of Southeast Asia, where guppy farming is a flourishing industry.

Breeders selectively cross guppies with desirable characteristics to produce this stunning variety, focusing on pectoral fin size, tail shape, color intensity, and scale patterning.

Key Characteristics

1. Appearance

Pectoral Fins: The signature “Dumbo” ears are large, rounded pectoral fins that resemble elephant ears. These give the fish a floating, graceful motion.
Body Colors: Most Dumbo Ear Dragon Guppies have deep blues, purples, reds, and metallic hues that shimmer under aquarium lighting.
Tail Patterns: They often display mosaic, flame, or lace patterns on their tails, enhancing their ornamental value.
Size: Males typically grow up to 1.5–2 inches, while females are larger, reaching 2.5–3 inches.

2. Behavior

Peaceful and sociable.
Ideal for community tanks.
Active swimmers and quite hardy, making them beginner-friendly.

3. Lifespan

With proper care, Dumbo Ear Dragon Guppies can live up to 2–3 years, sometimes longer in optimal conditions.

Dumbo Ear Dragon Guppy Tank Setup

Creating the right environment is crucial for maintaining the health and beauty of your guppies.

1. Tank Size

A 10-gallon tank is suitable for a small group.
Larger tanks (20+ gallons) are better for breeding or mixed-species setups.

2. Water Parameters

Temperature: 72°F – 82°F (22°C – 28°C)
pH Level: 6.8 – 7.8
Hardness: 8 – 12 dGH
Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
Nitrate: < 40 ppm

3. Filtration and Aeration

Use a sponge filter or hang-on-back filter to maintain water quality.
Ensure moderate water flow; too strong a current can stress these delicate-finned fish.

4. Lighting

LED aquarium lights enhance their iridescent colors.
8–12 hours of light per day promotes natural behavior and plant growth if live plants are included.

5. Aquascaping

Include live plants like Java moss, Guppy grass, and Anubias.
Provide hiding spots with caves or decorations, especially for females during breeding.
Use a dark substrate to bring out their vibrant coloration.

Tank Mates for Dumbo Ear Dragon Guppies

Thanks to their peaceful nature, Dumbo Ear Dragon Guppies do well in community tanks. However, avoid pairing them with aggressive or fin-nipping species.

Ideal Tank Mates:

Other guppies
Corydoras catfish
Neon tetras
Platies
Mollies
Cherry shrimp
Otocinclus

Avoid:

Betta fish (may attack due to similar fin shape)
Tiger barbs
Cichlids

Feeding Dumbo Ear Dragon Guppies

A balanced diet helps maintain their color vibrancy and boosts immunity.

Recommended Foods:

High-quality flakes: Specially formulated for guppies.
Pellets: Micro-pellets work well for smaller mouths.
Live/Frozen Foods: Daphnia, brine shrimp, bloodworms.
Vegetable matter: Blanched spinach, spirulina-based flakes.

Feeding Tips:

Feed 2–3 times per day in small portions.
Remove uneaten food to prevent water quality issues.

Breeding Dumbo Ear Dragon Guppies

One of the reasons guppies are so popular is how easy they are to breed. Dumbo Ear Dragon Guppies are livebearers, meaning the female gives birth to free-swimming fry.

Breeding Basics:

Sexing: Males are more colorful with larger fins. Females are bigger with a gravid spot near the abdomen.
Mating: Males constantly pursue females. A ratio of 1 male to 2–3 females helps reduce stress.
Gestation: Around 21–30 days.
Fry Count: 20–50 per brood.

Tips for Raising Fry:

Use a breeding box or separate tank to protect fry from adult guppies.
Feed fry infusoria, powdered fry food, or baby brine shrimp.
Maintain pristine water conditions to ensure high survival rates.

Health and Disease Prevention

Dumbo Ear Dragon Guppies are hardy, but like all fish, they can be susceptible to certain diseases.

Common Illnesses:

Ich (white spot disease): White cysts on fins and body.
Fin rot: Caused by poor water quality or fin-nipping.
Swim bladder disease: Affects buoyancy, often due to constipation or poor diet.
Velvet: Dust-like gold coating on the skin.

Prevention Tips:

Quarantine new fish before adding them to the tank.
Perform regular water changes (25–30% weekly).
Avoid overfeeding.
Use high-quality foods.
Keep stress levels low with proper tank mates and environment.

Why Choose Dumbo Ear Dragon Guppies?

1. Aesthetic Appeal

Their bold colors and flowing fins make them standout fish for any home aquarium.

2. Low Maintenance

They are forgiving of minor mistakes and adapt well to most freshwater tank setups.

3. Peaceful Nature

Perfect for both species-only and community aquariums.

4. Breeding Potential

If you’re looking to try your hand at breeding fish, guppies are a perfect starting point.

5. Educational

Caring for Dumbo Ear Dragon Guppies is a great introduction to aquarium keeping, suitable for kids and beginners alike.

Where to Buy Dumbo Ear Dragon Guppies

These guppies are widely available at:

Local fish stores (LFS)
Online aquarium retailers
Specialty guppy breeders

When buying, choose fish with vibrant colors, clear eyes, and active swimming behavior. Avoid guppies with clamped fins, dull coloration, or visible signs of illness.

Dumbo Ear Dragon Guppy Price

Prices vary depending on coloration, strain, size, and breeder reputation.

Standard Quality: $3 – $6 per fish
Premium Show Quality: $10 – $25+ each
Breeding Pairs or Trios: $15 – $50+

Some rare strains or high-end imports from Asia may even cost more, especially if they have exceptional traits.

Types Of Dumbo Ear Dragon Guppy

🐠 1. Red Dumbo Ear Dragon Guppy

Body: Metallic or grayish base.
Tail: Deep red with dragon scale pattern.
Fins: Large, flowing pectoral fins (Dumbo ears), usually reddish or clear.

🐠 2. Blue Dumbo Ear Dragon Guppy

Body: Dark blue to navy.
Tail: Blue with dragon markings—iridescent and patterned.
Fins: Oversized blue or translucent “ears”.

🐠 3. Green Dumbo Ear Dragon Guppy

Body: Shiny green with dragon-scale patterns.
Tail: Emerald green, sometimes with a gradient.
Fins: Big pectoral fins, often tinted green.

🐠 4. Yellow Dumbo Ear Dragon Guppy

Body: Pale to golden yellow.
Tail: Yellow dragon-patterned tail, may include hints of black or white.
Fins: Bright yellow or translucent fins.

🐠 5. Black Dumbo Ear Dragon Guppy

Body: Dark, near-black with metallic highlights.
Tail: Black with dragon scale-like overlays.
Fins: Jet black or smoky Dumbo fins.

🐠 6. Mosaic Dumbo Ear Dragon Guppy

Body: Iridescent with dragon scale markings.
Tail: Mosaic pattern (red, blue, or mixed) with a dragon-like texture.
Fins: Color-matching Dumbo fins, often patterned.

🐠 7. Albino Dumbo Ear Dragon Guppy

Body: Light pinkish or pale cream.
Tail: Red or pastel with dragon patterns.
Eyes: Red (typical of albino guppies).
Fins: Pale pink or translucent.

🐠 8. Purple Dumbo Ear Dragon Guppy

Body: Deep lavender to royal purple.
Tail: Purple with scale detailing and a shimmering sheen.
Fins: Prominent purple Dumbo ears.

Final Thoughts

The Dumbo Ear Dragon Guppy is a perfect blend of elegance and simplicity. Whether you’re an experienced aquarist looking to add flair to your tank or a beginner starting your fishkeeping journey, this guppy variety won’t disappoint.

With their unique “elephant ear” fins and stunning dragon-style colors, they bring energy, color, and life to any aquarium. With minimal care requirements and a peaceful temperament, they’re an excellent choice for nearly any freshwater setup.

FAQs About Dumbo Ear Dragon Guppies

Q: Are Dumbo Ear Dragon Guppies good for beginners?

A: Yes, they’re hardy and low-maintenance, making them ideal for beginners.

Q: How many Dumbo Ear Dragon Guppies should I keep together?

A: At least 3–6 is recommended. Keep more females than males to reduce stress.

Q: Do Dumbo Ear Dragon Guppies need a heater?

A: Yes, they thrive in warm water. A heater ensures a stable temperature.

Q: Can I keep Dumbo Ear Dragon Guppies with bettas?

A: It’s risky. Bettas may mistake their large fins as a threat and attack them.

Q: How often should I change the water in a guppy tank?

A: Weekly, replacing 25–30% of the water is ideal to maintain water quality.