DUMBO EAR PINGU GUPPY | POECILIA RETICULATUS

The Dumbo Ear Pingu Guppy (Poecilia reticulata) is a rare and elegant guppy variety prized for its unique “dumbo” pectoral fins and striking color pattern. Its oversized side fins resemble elephant ears, gracefully fanning out as it swims. The “Pingu” name refers to its sleek, pale body often accented with shades of white, silver, or pastel blue and a bold black tail or rear half—creating a refined, high-contrast look that stands out beautifully in planted tanks.

Adult males typically reach about 1.5 inches (3.5–4 cm), while females grow slightly larger. Males display more vivid colors and larger fins. They are peaceful, social, and active livebearers that thrive in small groups, ideally with more females than males to reduce stress and encourage natural breeding.

Ideal water parameters:
Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C)
pH: 7.0–8.0
Hardness: 8–20 dGH

Tank setup: Dumbo Ear Pingu Guppies do best in a well-planted aquarium of at least 10 gallons, with open swimming areas and gentle filtration. Floating plants such as Water Sprite or Hornwort provide cover for fry and reduce stress. Females give birth every 4–6 weeks, so adding dense plants or breeder boxes will help protect baby guppies from being eaten.

Diet: They are omnivores and benefit from a varied diet including high-quality flakes or micro pellets, live or frozen foods (such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms), and spirulina-based vegetable flakes. A protein-rich diet helps maintain their color vibrancy and fin health.

Temperament and tankmates: Dumbo Ear Pingu Guppies are peaceful and thrive in community tanks with other calm species like mollies, platies, endlers, tetras, rasboras, and corydoras. Avoid fin-nippers such as barbs or large aggressive fish that could damage their flowing fins.

Overall, the Dumbo Ear Pingu Guppy is a graceful, easy-to-care-for fish that adds elegance and personality to any freshwater aquarium. Its combination of gentle temperament, unique fin structure, and refined coloration makes it a standout centerpiece in both beginner and advanced setups.