Elephant Ear Magenta Grass Tail Guppy - Poecillia Reticulata

Elephant Ear Magenta Grass Tail Guppy (Poecilia reticulata)

The Elephant Ear Magenta Grass Tail Guppy, Poecilia reticulata, is a striking selectively bred livebearer recognised by its oversized pectoral fins, vivid magenta colouration and decorative grass-patterned tail. The enlarged pectoral fins create the characteristic “Elephant Ear” appearance, while the caudal fin displays fine spots or markings that give the Grass Tail pattern its name. Combining dramatic finnage with the active, sociable nature of the classic Guppy, this ornamental strain makes an eye-catching addition to peaceful planted community aquariums. Its adaptable feeding behaviour and straightforward livebearing reproduction make it suitable for both beginner and experienced freshwater fishkeepers.

Common Name:
Elephant Ear Magenta Grass Tail Guppy, Magenta Elephant Ear Guppy, Magenta Grass Tail Guppy, Elephant Ear Grass Guppy, Dumbo Ear Magenta Guppy.

Scientific Name (Latin):
Poecilia reticulata

Maximum Size:
Usually around 3–5 cm for adult males, while females may reach approximately 5–6 cm and develop a noticeably larger, deeper-bodied appearance.

Water Type:
Freshwater

Origin / Natural Habitat:
The Elephant Ear Magenta Grass Tail Guppy is a selectively bred ornamental aquarium strain and does not occur naturally in this colour and fin form.

Wild Poecilia reticulata originate from northern South America and nearby Caribbean regions, including Venezuela, Trinidad, Barbados, northern Brazil and the Guianas. They naturally inhabit a wide variety of warm freshwater environments including streams, springs, ponds, canals, vegetated ditches and slow-moving waterways.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 22–28°C
pH Range: 7.0–8.0
Hardness or Salinity: Approximately 9–19°dGH; moderately hard to hard, mineral-rich freshwater is preferred.

Temperament:
Very peaceful, active and social. Elephant Ear Magenta Grass Tail Guppies are well suited to peaceful community aquariums and generally coexist readily with other small non-aggressive fish.

Males may display continuously towards females and occasionally compete with other males through chasing and fin displays. Maintain a suitable male-to-female ratio when keeping mixed-sex groups to reduce persistent courtship pressure.

Diet:
Omnivorous. Guppies naturally consume zooplankton, small insects, algae, detritus and other fine organic material.

In the aquarium, offer high-quality tropical flakes or micro-pellets as the staple diet, supplemented with spirulina and other vegetable-rich foods.

Provide frozen or live Artemia, daphnia, Cyclops, mosquito larvae and small bloodworms for additional protein and variety. Feed small portions once or twice daily.

Minimum Tank Size:
A minimum aquarium volume of approximately 60 litres is recommended for a small group, with planted areas, gentle to moderate water movement and sufficient open swimming space.

Larger aquariums are preferable for breeding colonies or when maintaining several mature males.

Behaviour & Activity:
An active livebearer that spends most of its time swimming through the middle and upper areas of the aquarium. Males frequently display their enlarged pectoral fins and colourful tails while courting females or interacting with other males.

The Elephant Ear trait produces exceptionally broad pectoral fins that extend away from the body and create a distinctive fluttering movement while the fish swims.

The Magenta Grass Tail strain combines rich pink, red-purple or magenta colouration with fine spotting or grass-like patterning across the tail. Individual fish may vary considerably in colour intensity, body pattern and fin coverage.

Males are generally smaller and more colourful, with elongated decorative fins and a modified anal fin known as a gonopodium. Females are larger, deeper-bodied and typically display less elaborate colouration.

Guppies are livebearers. Females give birth to fully formed, free-swimming fry rather than laying eggs and may produce repeated broods after mating.

Aquarium Category:
Community Fish

Elephant Ear Magenta Grass Tail Guppies are ideal for peaceful freshwater community aquariums containing other small fish with similar water requirements.

Suitable companions include Platies, peaceful Mollies, Swordtails, small Rainbowfish, Corydoras, peaceful Rasboras and appropriately sized community species.

Avoid aggressive fin-nipping fish that may damage the enlarged pectoral fins or decorative tail.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Maintain moderately hard, mineral-rich water and avoid prolonged exposure to very soft or strongly acidic conditions. Stable water chemistry is more important than attempting to achieve one exact parameter.

Provide a mixture of open swimming space and planted areas. Fine-leaved plants, mosses and floating vegetation offer useful shelter for females and newly born fry.

The enlarged Elephant Ear pectoral fins and decorative tail are more vulnerable to damage than the fins of standard Guppies. Avoid sharp decorations and aggressive or persistent fin-nipping tank mates.

Maintain clean water with efficient biological filtration and regular partial water changes. Avoid excessively powerful current, as heavily finned males may struggle against continuous strong flow.

If keeping males and females together, maintain approximately one male for every two or three females to reduce persistent courtship pressure.

Female Guppies can store sperm following mating and may produce several successive broods without further contact with a male.

Adult Guppies may consume newly born fry. Dense floating plants, mosses and other fine cover can improve natural fry survival, or young can be transferred to a separate rearing aquarium.

Feed fry newly hatched Artemia, microworms, powdered fry foods and finely crushed flake several times daily in small portions.

Different Guppy colour and fin strains readily interbreed. Keep the Elephant Ear Magenta Grass Tail line separate from other Guppy varieties if maintaining consistent strain characteristics is important.

Select breeding fish carefully if preserving the Elephant Ear trait. Excessively large fins should not prevent normal swimming or feeding, and only vigorous, well-proportioned individuals should be used for breeding.

A secure aquarium cover is recommended because Guppies can jump, particularly when startled or during energetic courtship.

Suitable for:
Beginner freshwater fishkeepers

Availability:
Occasional in trade

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.