The Red Tail Dumbo Ear Guppy is a striking and unique variety of guppy known for its vibrant red tail, dramatic pectoral fins, and metallic body. With its combination of distinctive features and lively personality, this guppy makes a stunning addition to any aquarium. Below is a detailed breakdown of the male and female Red Tail Dumbo Ear Guppy, along with information on care and behavior.

Red Tail Dumbo Ear Guppy Overview

• Striking Appearance: This guppy variety is named for its distinctive Dumbo-like pectoral fins, which are large and fan-shaped, resembling elephant ears. Combined with its vivid red tail and metallic sheen, it is a true standout in any aquarium.
• Active and Social: Known for their energetic nature, Dumbo Ear Guppies are lively and active swimmers, making them fascinating to watch as they interact with other fish.

Male Red Tail Dumbo Ear Guppy

• Coloration:

  • The male has a slender, elongated body with a metallic sheen in shades of silver, blue, or green.
  • The tail is bright red, fanning out in a dramatic shape that contrasts with the metallic body. The red coloration is often solid, making the tail the most striking feature.
  • The dorsal fin is also typically red and may show additional patterns or spots, complementing the tail’s vibrant color.

• Size:

  • Males are smaller than females, typically reaching 1.5 to 2 inches (3.8 to 5 cm) in length.
  • Their slender bodies are well-suited for swift swimming and active behavior.

• Fins:

  • The pectoral fins, which are the most distinctive feature, are large and fan-like, resembling elephant ears. These fins are much larger than those of typical guppies, contributing to the guppy’s graceful and dramatic appearance.
  • The tail is large, fan-shaped, and red, making it a focal point of the male’s appearance.

• Behavior:

  • Males are very active swimmers, often seen displaying their fins to attract females.
  • Their social behavior makes them friendly and engaging tank mates. They can interact well with other peaceful fish species.
  • Courtship displays are common, with males swimming gracefully while showing off their fins to impress potential mates.

Female Red Tail Dumbo Ear Guppy

• Coloration:

  • Females have a more subdued coloration compared to the males. Their bodies are usually a lighter, pastel shade, with a soft metallic sheen.
  • The tail is also red but typically less vivid than in males. It is often more rounded and smaller.
  • The dorsal fin is usually shorter, with some females displaying hints of red or soft patterning, though the fins are generally less elaborate than in the male.

• Size:

  • Females are larger and more robust, typically growing to 2 to 2.5 inches (5 to 6.3 cm) in length.
  • Their bodies are more rounded, especially when carrying fry (baby fish).

• Fins:

  • The pectoral fins in females are present but are smaller and less pronounced than those of the males.
  • The tail fin is more rounded and less expansive compared to the male’s dramatic fan-shaped tail.

• Behavior:

  • Female Dumbo Ear Guppies are generally calmer and more peaceful than males.
  • They are still active but tend to spend more time focusing on breeding and swimming gracefully around the aquarium.
  • While less flamboyant than the males, their delicate appearance adds an elegant contrast when swimming alongside the more colorful males.

Distinctive Features of the Red Tail Dumbo Ear Guppy

• Dumbo Ears: The large pectoral fins are the defining feature of this guppy variety. They resemble elephant ears and give the fish a unique, elegant look.
• Red Tail: The bright red tail is a striking feature that makes the guppy stand out. It often contrasts dramatically with the metallic body and vibrant fins.
• Metallic Sheen: The shimmering body adds an extra layer of beauty, as it catches the light and gives the guppy a glowing appearance.

Tank Requirements and Care

• Water Conditions:

  • Ideal temperature: 72-82°F (22-28°C).
  • pH: Slightly alkaline to neutral (around 6.8 to 7.8).
  • Regular water changes and good filtration are crucial to maintain healthy water conditions for the guppies.

• Tank Setup:

  • Red Tail Dumbo Ear Guppies thrive in well-planted aquariums with open swimming spaces. They need room to swim actively.
  • Providing hiding spots or dense plant cover can help protect fry and create a secure environment for the fish.

• Feeding:

  • These guppies are omnivores and thrive on a varied diet of high-quality flakes or pellets.
  • Supplement their diet with live or frozen foods, such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia, to enhance their coloration and health.

Breeding

• Livebearers: Red Tail Dumbo Ear Guppies are livebearers, meaning they give birth to live, free-swimming fry instead of laying eggs.

• Fry Care:

  • It’s important to provide hiding places or dense plant cover for the fry to hide from adult fish, as guppies are known to eat their own young.
  • The fry usually inherit the red tail and Dumbo-like fins of their parents.

• Breeding Potential:

  • These guppies breed frequently in captivity. With the right conditions, you can enjoy watching multiple generations of these beautiful fish.

Behavior and Compatibility

• Active and Social:
  • Red Tail Dumbo Ear Guppies are lively and social, making them fun to watch. They are active swimmers and interact well with other peaceful species.
  • These guppies thrive in community tanks with other non-aggressive species, such as tetras, neons, and other guppy varieties.
• Tankmates:
  • They are peaceful and should be kept with other non-aggressive fish. Avoid keeping them with fin-nipping or overly aggressive species, as their delicate fins could be damaged.

Summary

• Striking Appearance: The Red Tail Dumbo Ear Guppy is defined by its large, fan-shaped pectoral fins, vivid red tail, and metallic body, making it a true showstopper in any aquarium.
• Active and Social: These guppies are active, playful, and social, adding constant movement and beauty to a tank.
• Easy Care: With the right water conditions and diet, they are hardy and easy to care for, making them suitable for both beginners and experienced aquarists.
• Breeding Potential: They breed easily and produce colorful offspring, making them a popular choice for hobbyists looking to breed guppies.

The Red Tail Dumbo Ear Guppy is a stunning and captivating variety, perfect for anyone looking to add vibrant color and unique characteristics to their freshwater aquarium. Whether you are a seasoned aquarist or a beginner, this guppy is sure to be a highlight in your collection.