Elephant Ear Male Guppy Poecilia Reticulata 3cm

Overview

The elephant ear guppy is a fancy strain of the classic livebearer, named for its oversized pectoral fins, which flare like ears and are often coloured to match the broad tail. The species comes from northeastern South America and the southern Caribbean and is hardy, active and endlessly entertaining. Ideal for beginners and peaceful community tanks.

• Adult Size: Males around 3.5 cm (1.4 in); females up to 6 cm (2.4 in)
• Lifespan: 2–3 years

Origin

• Native to: Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad and the southern Caribbean
• Habitat: Slow, weedy streams, ditches and ponds; often hard water

Feeding

• Diet: Omnivorous, mainly insectivorous in the wild
• Preferred Foods: Quality flake, micro pellets, daphnia, brine shrimp, bloodworm, spirulina flake
• Feeding Habits: Small feeds twice daily; include vegetable matter; only what is eaten in minutes

Tank Mates

• Best with: Platies, mollies, rasboras, small tetras, corydoras, dwarf shrimp
• Avoid: Fin nippers such as tiger barbs and serpae tetras; large predatory fish

Aggression & Behaviour

• Temperament: Very peaceful and sociable
• Territoriality: None; males chase females constantly, so keep more females than males

Experience Level

• Difficulty: Beginner
• Challenges: Commercial lines can be inbred and delicate; needs clean, stable water

Water Parameters

• Water Type: Freshwater, hard and alkaline
• Temperature: 22–28°C (72–82°F)
• pH: 7.0–8.5
• Hardness: 8–30 dGH
• Flow: Slow to moderate
• Tank Size: Minimum 45 litres for a small group; 60 litres or more is better

Final Notes

Males only, so no fry unless females are added; guppies breed readily and females store sperm for months, so plan for young if you mix sexes. The enlarged pectoral fins make these fish especially slow, so keep flow gentle and avoid any fin-nipping companions; smooth decor helps prevent tears. Quarantine new arrivals and keep water clean. An unusual and elegant fish that draws the eye in any community.