Dumbo Ear Cobra Guppy

About the Dumbo Ear Cobra Guppy

The Dumbo Ear Cobra Guppy is one of the most spectacular fancy guppy varieties, combining the oversized flowing pectoral fins of the Dumbo Ear strain with the intricate snakeskin or "cobra" pattern that covers its body and tail. This premium ornamental livebearer is highly prized for its graceful swimming style, vibrant colours, and stunning lace-like markings.

Available in a range of colour combinations including blue, red, yellow, green, and orange, the defining feature of the Cobra strain is its intricate reticulated pattern that extends across the body and into the caudal fin. The enlarged "Dumbo Ear" pectoral fins create a graceful fluttering motion, giving these fish an elegant appearance unlike any other guppy variety.

Dumbo Ear Cobra Guppies thrive in planted aquariums with gentle water movement, stable water conditions, and plenty of open swimming space. Their peaceful temperament makes them excellent companions for Endlers, Corydoras, Platies, Mollies, peaceful Tetras, Rasboras, Otocinclus, and freshwater shrimp. Like all Guppies, they are prolific livebearers and breed readily in the home aquarium.

A varied diet of premium tropical flakes, micro pellets, spirulina foods, baby brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, and other quality live or frozen foods will maximise their brilliant colours, intricate patterns, and flowing finnage.

Elegant, colourful, and easy to care for, the Dumbo Ear Cobra Guppy is a true showpiece for planted aquariums and freshwater community tanks.

Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name

Poecilia reticulata

Common Name

Dumbo Ear Cobra Guppy

Origin

Captive-bred ornamental variety

Adult Size

3–6 cm

Temperament

Peaceful

Diet

Omnivore

Minimum Tank Size

40 Litres

Temperature

22–28°C

pH

7.0–8.2

Water Hardness

8–30 dGH

Difficulty

Beginner

Lifespan

2–4 Years

Suitable For

Nano aquariums, planted tanks, freshwater community aquariums, and livebearer aquariums

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Dumbo Ear Cobra Guppy?

A Dumbo Ear Cobra Guppy is a selectively bred fancy guppy featuring oversized pectoral fins and the distinctive cobra or snakeskin pattern across the body and tail.

Are Dumbo Ear Cobra Guppies good for beginners?

Yes. They are hardy, peaceful, and easy to care for, making them suitable for both beginner and experienced aquarists.

What do Dumbo Ear Cobra Guppies eat?

They thrive on premium tropical flakes, micro pellets, spirulina foods, baby brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, and other live or frozen foods.

Can Dumbo Ear Cobra Guppies live with shrimp?

Yes. Adult Cherry Shrimp and Amano Shrimp are generally safe tank mates, although very small shrimplets may occasionally be eaten.

Do Dumbo Ear Cobra Guppies breed easily?

Yes. They are prolific livebearers and can produce fry approximately every 25–35 days. Selective breeding is recommended if you wish to preserve the distinctive cobra pattern and Dumbo Ear finnage.

Common Mistakes

Keeping them with fin-nipping fish

Avoid Tiger Barbs and other fin-nipping species, as their large pectoral fins and flowing tails are susceptible to damage.

Poor water quality

Regular water changes, stable water parameters, and efficient filtration are essential for healthy fish and vibrant colours.

Feeding only one type of food

A varied diet promotes brighter colours, healthier finnage, and improved breeding condition.

Keeping too many males together

Male Guppies frequently display to one another. If breeding, maintain a ratio of one male to two or three females.

Underestimating breeding rates

Dumbo Ear Cobra Guppies reproduce rapidly, so be prepared to manage fry if keeping mixed sexes.