Description
🐟 Platinum Red Tail Dumbo Ear Guppy (Poecilia reticulata)
📌 Basic Info
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Scientific Name: Poecilia reticulata
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Family: Poeciliidae
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Origin: Selectively bred (tank-bred strain)
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Size: 1.5 – 2.5 inches (3.5 – 6 cm)
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Lifespan: 2 – 3 years
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Tank Zone: Mid to top swimmers
🌊 Water Parameters
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TDS: 200 – 400 ppm
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pH: 6.8 – 7.8
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Temperature: 22 – 28°C (72 – 82°F)
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Hardness: 8 – 20 dGH
🐟 Characteristics
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Gorgeous platinum white body with bright red tail.
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Large, flowing “dumbo ears” (pectoral fins) make them stand out.
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Peaceful, social, and active swimmers.
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Males are smaller with brighter colors; females are larger and less vivid.
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Hardy fish – suitable for both beginners and experienced hobbyists.
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Livebearers – females give birth to live fry.
🍽️ Food
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Type: Omnivorous
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Diet: High-quality flake food, micro pellets, frozen/live food (brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms), spirulina, blanched veggies.
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Feeding: 1–2 times daily in small portions.
🛠️ Maintenance
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Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons (larger recommended for groups).
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Filtration: Gentle filtration (sponge filter works well).
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Substrate & Decor: Plants, moss, caves, and swimming space.
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Water Change: 25–30% weekly.
👥 Social Behavior
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Minimum Group Size: Best kept in groups (ratio: 1 male to 2–3 females).
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Tank Mates: Guppies, Platies, Mollies, Swordtails, Corydoras, Neon Tetras, Rasboras, Shrimp, Snails.
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Avoid: Aggressive or fin-nipping fish like Tiger Barbs or large Cichlids.
✅ Do’s
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Keep in groups for active social behavior.
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Provide plants/hiding spots for fry survival.
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Maintain stable water conditions for best coloration.
❌ Don’ts
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Don’t overcrowd – they breed quickly.
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Don’t mix with aggressive or territorial fish.
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Don’t neglect regular cleaning and water testing.
⭐ Quick Tips
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Eye-catching with their red tail and big dumbo fins.
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Very easy to breed – great for guppy collections.
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Perfect centerpiece fish for a planted community tank.
