Full Blue Dragon Big Ear Guppy: Care, Breeding & Beauty

The world of ornamental fish is rich with vibrant colors and fascinating varieties, but few can compete with the breathtaking beauty of the Full Blue Dragon Big Ear Guppy. This stunning guppy strain is admired by aquarists for its iridescent scales, oversized pectoral fins resembling wings, and distinct dragon-scale pattern. If you’re looking to add a show-stopping specimen to your freshwater aquarium, this guide will tell you everything you need to know about Full Blue Dragon Big Ear Guppies — from their history and appearance to their care, breeding, and maintenance.

What Is a Full Blue Dragon Big Ear Guppy?

The Full Blue Dragon Big Ear Guppy is a selectively bred variety of Poecilia reticulata, commonly known as guppies. It is a hybrid strain, known for its:

• Deep blue coloration: A vibrant, metallic blue that covers nearly the entire body and tail.
• Dragon pattern: Intricate, dragon-like scale patterns on the body, often with a mosaic or reticulated appearance.
• Big ear (Dumbo ear) trait: Dramatically enlarged pectoral fins that resemble elephant ears or wings, giving it a unique and elegant appearance.

This guppy is prized not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its relatively hardy nature and active personality.

Origins and Breeding History

The Full Blue Dragon Big Ear Guppy is the result of years of careful selective breeding by guppy enthusiasts and professional breeders. The “dragon” pattern likely evolved from strains bred for reticulation and metallic shine, while the “big ear” or “dumbo” trait was introduced from strains with larger pectoral fins.

The full blue coloration is a result of generations of selecting for iridophores—cells that reflect light in the blue spectrum—leading to a shimmering and saturated blue across the body and fins.

Distinctive Features of the Full Blue Dragon Big Ear Guppy

Here are the most notable characteristics that define this stunning variety:

1. Coloration

• Entire body is covered in deep, shiny, metallic blue.
• Under certain lighting, you may see green or turquoise undertones.
• The tail and dorsal fins are typically the same shade as the body, making the guppy appear monochrome and uniform in color.

2. Dragon Scale Pattern

• Intricate net-like scale pattern, especially visible under bright lights.
• This pattern resembles traditional Chinese dragon imagery, hence the name.

3. Big Ear (Dumbo Ear) Fins

• Oversized pectoral fins that flow like silk when the guppy swims.
• These fins give the fish a graceful, gliding motion.
• The fins are usually the same blue as the rest of the body but may sometimes have a slightly translucent edge.

4. Tail and Dorsal Fin Shape

• Typically large and fan-shaped, similar to a delta tail or halfmoon.
• The tail may be rounded or slightly pointed, depending on the breeding line.

Ideal Tank Setup for Full Blue Dragon Big Ear Guppies

Creating the perfect environment is key to keeping your guppies healthy and vibrant. Here are the essential elements:

1. Tank Size

• Minimum: 10 gallons for a small group.
• Ideal: 20 gallons or more if keeping multiple males or a breeding colony.

2. Water Parameters

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

3. Filtration and Aeration

• Use a sponge filter or a gentle hang-on-back filter.
• Avoid strong currents, which can stress the big pectoral fins.
• Air stones help oxygenate the tank and keep guppies active.

4. Lighting

• Moderate to bright lighting enhances their metallic blue color.
• LED lights with a white and blue spectrum are ideal.

5. Substrate and Decor

• Use dark substrates (black gravel or sand) to make the colors pop.
• Add live plants like Java fern, Anubias, or water sprite for natural shelter.
• Avoid sharp decorations that can damage delicate fins.

Diet and Nutrition

A balanced diet enhances the health and color of your Full Blue Dragon Big Ear Guppies.

Recommended Foods:

• High-quality flake food (with spirulina or color-enhancing formulas)
• Live/frozen food: brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms
• Vegetable matter: blanched spinach, zucchini, algae wafers
• Pellets: Micro pellets formulated for guppies or small tropical fish

Feeding Tips:

• Feed small portions 2–3 times daily.
• Avoid overfeeding to prevent water quality issues.
• Rotate food types for balanced nutrition.

Tank Mates for Full Blue Dragon Big Ear Guppies

This guppy variety is peaceful and does best with other community fish.

Ideal Tank Mates:

• Other guppies (same size)
• Tetras (neon, ember, cardinal)
• Corydoras catfish
• Mollies
• Platies
• Snails and shrimp (Amano, Nerite)

Avoid:

• Fin-nippers (like tiger barbs)
• Aggressive cichlids
• Larger predatory fish

Always monitor interactions when adding new tank mates.

Breeding Full Blue Dragon Big Ear Guppies

These guppies breed easily in captivity and produce live young, but to maintain the desired traits, selective breeding is essential.

Breeding Setup:

• Use a separate breeding tank (10–15 gallons).
• Place one male with one or two females.
• Add floating plants or breeding boxes for fry to hide.

Reproduction:

• Gestation period: 21–30 days
• Fry are born live (not eggs)
• A single female can produce 20–50 fry per batch

Raising Fry:

• Feed infusoria, baby brine shrimp, or finely crushed flakes
• Keep fry in a separate tank to avoid being eaten by adults
• Perform regular water changes to maintain water quality

Tips for Breeding True:

• Choose breeding pairs with strong blue coloration, pronounced ear fins, and clear dragon patterns.
• Cull offspring that don’t meet quality standards to maintain line purity.

Common Health Issues and Prevention

While guppies are hardy, the Full Blue Dragon Big Ear strain can be more sensitive due to selective breeding.

Common Diseases:

• Fin rot: Caused by poor water quality; treat with antibacterial meds.
• Ich (white spot): Treat with aquarium salt and temperature increase.
• Swim bladder disorder: Avoid overfeeding; offer fiber-rich foods.
• Fungal infections: Appears as white patches; treat with antifungal medication.

Prevention:

• Maintain stable water parameters.
• Quarantine new fish for at least 2 weeks.
• Avoid overstocking the tank.
• Clean the tank weekly and test water regularly.

Where to Buy Full Blue Dragon Big Ear Guppies

Due to their striking appearance, these guppies are in high demand. You can find them through:

Online Stores:

• Specialized guppy breeders
• Ornamental fish e-commerce sites
• Aquarium forums and hobbyist groups

Local Sources:

• Aquarium shops (call ahead to check availability)
• Local breeders or fish clubs

Buying Tips:

• Look for healthy, active fish with vibrant colors.
• Ensure fins are not clamped or torn.
• Buy from reputable sellers who offer a DOA (dead-on-arrival) guarantee.

Price Range

Prices vary depending on quality, strain purity, and age:

• Juvenile pairs: $10–$20
• Breeding pairs (adult): $25–$50+
• High-grade show-quality specimens: $60–$100+

Always weigh cost against quality and seller reputation.

Why Choose the Full Blue Dragon Big Ear Guppy?

Here’s why aquarists around the world love this particular guppy strain:

• Stunning visual appeal: Few freshwater fish match its color and elegance.
• Peaceful and social: Great for community tanks.
• Easy to breed: Ideal for beginner and advanced breeders.
• Unique fin shape: The “dumbo” fins add a touch of fantasy.
• Hardy: With proper care, they can thrive and live up to 2–3 years.

Final Thoughts

The Full Blue Dragon Big Ear Guppy is a dazzling gem in the aquarium hobby. With its radiant blue hue, flowing fins, and calm demeanor, it not only enhances the beauty of your tank but also offers the joy of breeding and observation. Whether you’re a seasoned aquarist or a curious beginner, this guppy variety is a rewarding addition to any freshwater setup.

Invest in quality fish, maintain excellent water conditions, and you’ll be rewarded with vibrant colors, lively behavior, and possibly even generations of beautiful offspring.

FAQs

1. What makes the Full Blue Dragon Big Ear Guppy different from other guppies?

The Full Blue Dragon Big Ear Guppy stands out due to its deep metallic blue coloration, dragon-like scale pattern, and large pectoral fins (commonly called “big ears” or “dumbo fins”). These traits give the guppy a graceful and exotic appearance not commonly found in standard guppy varieties.

2. Are Full Blue Dragon Big Ear Guppies easy to care for?

Yes, they are relatively easy to care for. Like most guppies, they are hardy and adaptable to a range of freshwater conditions. However, because of their larger fins and selective breeding background, they benefit from stable water conditions and a well-maintained tank.

3. What size tank is best for Full Blue Dragon Big Ear Guppies?

A minimum of 10 gallons is recommended for a small group, but 20 gallons or larger is ideal if you plan to keep multiple males, a mixed colony, or breed them.

4. Can Full Blue Dragon Big Ear Guppies live with other fish?

Absolutely! They are peaceful community fish and get along well with other small, non-aggressive species like tetras, mollies, corydoras catfish, and shrimp. Avoid housing them with fin-nippers or aggressive fish.

5. How long do Full Blue Dragon Big Ear Guppies live?

With proper care, these guppies can live between 2 to 3 years. Factors such as genetics, diet, water quality, and tank conditions significantly influence their lifespan.

6. What do Full Blue Dragon Big Ear Guppies eat?

They are omnivores and thrive on a varied diet that includes:

• High-quality flakes or micro pellets
• Live or frozen foods like brine shrimp and bloodworms
• Vegetables like spinach or zucchini
  Feeding a diverse diet helps maintain their vibrant coloration and health.

7. Can I breed Full Blue Dragon Big Ear Guppies at home?

Yes! They breed easily in home aquariums. To preserve their unique traits (full blue color, dragon pattern, and big ears), it’s best to practice selective breeding using high-quality parent stock.

8. How can I tell the difference between males and females?

Males are generally:

• Smaller
• More colorful
• Equipped with larger fins
• Have a gonopodium (a modified anal fin used for mating)

Females are:

• Larger and more rounded
• Duller in color
• Have a fan-shaped anal fin
• Often show a gravid spot when pregnant

9. Do Full Blue Dragon Big Ear Guppies need a heater?

Yes, they thrive in warmer water temperatures between 72°F and 82°F (22°C–28°C). A heater is especially important in colder climates or for consistent breeding.

10. How often should I clean the tank?

Perform partial water changes (20–30%) once a week to maintain clean water and prevent the buildup of toxins. Also, clean the substrate and remove uneaten food regularly.

11. Can they live in outdoor ponds?

They can, in tropical or warm climates where water temperatures stay above 70°F (21°C). However, due to their delicate fins and bright coloration, they may be more vulnerable to predators and environmental fluctuations outdoors.

12. Are Full Blue Dragon Big Ear Guppies good for beginners?

Yes! They are excellent for beginners who want a beautiful, easy-to-care-for fish. Just be sure to research proper tank setup and water maintenance to keep them healthy and happy.

13. Why are their fins so large and flowing?

The “Big Ear” or “Dumbo” trait is the result of selective breeding. These oversized pectoral fins don’t affect their swimming much but make them look more elegant and unique.

14. Do they get along with shrimp?

Yes, they typically coexist peacefully with shrimp species like Amano shrimp or Nerite snails. However, very small shrimp babies may get eaten, so provide hiding spots if breeding shrimp.

15. Where can I buy Full Blue Dragon Big Ear Guppies?

You can find them through:

• Online aquarium retailers
• Specialty guppy breeders
• Fish expos or aquarium clubs
• Some local fish stores, though availability may vary