Male Elephant Ear Red Guppy 3.5cm

Male Elephant Ear Red Guppy

The Elephant Ear Red Guppy is a stunning and elegant strain that immediately grabs attention with its vibrant red colouration and distinctively large, flowing pectoral fins, often referred to as "Dumbo" or "Elephant Ear" fins. This aesthetic gives the fish a graceful, butterfly-like appearance as it glides through the water. Elephant Ear guppies are a favourite among guppy enthusiasts and breeders alike, thanks to their striking appearance and active, playful behaviour.

These guppies showcase a brilliant red body and tail, with the most striking feature being their oversized pectoral fins, which are often a lighter shade of red or even tinged with white. This contrast adds a level of refinement and elegance not commonly seen in other guppy strains. The vibrant red colours are best displayed under good-quality aquarium lighting, where they seem to glow against a lush, planted background.

Like all guppies, the Elephant Ear Red Guppy is a livebearer, giving birth to fully formed fry instead of laying eggs. The females of this strain tend to be larger with less intense colouring, but their offspring can be selectively bred for more vibrant hues and well-defined fins. These fish are incredibly hardy and adaptable, making them a great choice for both beginner and experienced aquarists.

Tank Recommendations for your Male Elephant Ear Red Guppy

Being a very small and easy to care for fish, the pair of elephant ear red guppies can be kept in a nano aquarium with a minimum being 40 litres. A sand or gravel substrate would be fine for these fish as well. A lot of plant growth will also make these fish contrast really well, but also make for handy locations where guppy fry can grow. Guppies, however, are in fact considered to be a 'hard water fish meaning they prefer the water to have an elevated PH and are not like a tetra. This higher PH of 7 - 8 can be achieved with a PH buffer or African cichlid lake conditioning salts.

Suitable Tank Buddies

The elephant ear red guppy is a very peaceful aquarium fish, and males are no different in aggression when compared with females. They are great with a wide range of nano aquarium fish; however, because of their bright and flashy fins, certain fin-nipping species would be avoided. The other factor is that guppies are a fish that needs a higher PH, so keeping them with South American tetras may not be very suitable as these lower PH.

Usually Compatible

Pseudomogil species such as fork-tail rainbows, blue eyes, rice-fish, and nano aquarium fish, which can tolerate hard water conditions.

Sometimes Compatible

Medium growing or possibly fin-nipping species. Bettas should also be avoided because of their similar flashy nature to guppies, which could lead to aggression from the bettas' end.

Rarely Compatible

Large and aggressive species that would prey on the guppies, such as oscars or jaguar cichlids.

Feeding your Male elephant ear red guppy

The elephant ear red guppy is very easy to feed once it is settled into the aquarium. It will readily eat a wide range of foods but would prefer to have a floating nano pellet or flake due to its top-dwelling behaviour. Giving them a nutritional food with a good protein level and varied ingredients can result in the colours being slightly more enhanced.