Can Blue Dolphin (Hap) and White Cloud Mountain Minnow Live Together?

🔴Not Recommended

Blue Dolphin (Hap) and White Cloud Mountain Minnow are not recommended as tank mates due to no temperature overlap. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.


At a Glance

Blue Dolphin (Hap)

Cyrtocara moorii

White Cloud Mountain Minnow

Tanichthys albonubes

🐠Family Group
Blue Dolphin (Hap)
Cichlids - African
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Cyprinids
Temperament
Blue Dolphin (Hap)
Semi-Aggressive (5/10)
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Peaceful (1/10)
Temperature
✗ No overlap
Blue Dolphin (Hap)
24–28°C
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
14–22°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Blue Dolphin (Hap)
7.5–8.6
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
6–8
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Blue Dolphin (Hap)
10–25
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
5–20
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Blue Dolphin (Hap)
Freshwater Only
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Blue Dolphin (Hap)
Moderate
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 570 L
Blue Dolphin (Hap)
475 L
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
38 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Blue Dolphin (Hap)
MiddleBottom
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
TopMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Blue Dolphin (Hap)
Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerAggressive to same species/look-alikes
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)

Behaviour & Temperament

Blue Dolphin (Hap) is a moderately assertive species (5/10), while White Cloud Mountain Minnow is peaceful (1/10). This notable difference means Blue Dolphin (Hap) may occasionally assert dominance over White Cloud Mountain Minnow.

Blue Dolphin (Hap) and White Cloud Mountain Minnow both frequent the Middle (Open Water) region of the setup. This overlap can increase competition for space, so providing ample room and cover is important to keep both species comfortable.

Worth noting: White Cloud Mountain Minnow is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

Water Parameters

There is no temperature overlap between Blue Dolphin (Hap) (24–28°C) and White Cloud Mountain Minnow (14–22°C). This fundamental mismatch makes long-term cohabitation impractical.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 7.5 and 8. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 10–20 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Blue Dolphin (Hap) and White Cloud Mountain Minnow together, plan for an aquarium of at least 570 litres with a minimum length of 150 cm. This accounts for the larger species' space requirements with an additional 20 % buffer to reduce territorial tension.

Providing a mix of open swimming space and sheltered areas with rocks, driftwood, or plants will keep both species comfortable and allow natural behaviour.

Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Sand (Sifters), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), Plants - Densely covered. Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Both species do well with moderate (standard) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Blue Dolphin (Hap) and White Cloud Mountain Minnow live together?

No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as non-overlapping temperature ranges — make cohabitation unsafe.

What size tank do Blue Dolphin (Hap) and White Cloud Mountain Minnow need?

A minimum of 570 litres (tank length at least 150 cm) is recommended. This provides enough space for both species to establish their own areas and reduces the likelihood of territorial disputes.

What water temperature is best for Blue Dolphin (Hap) and White Cloud Mountain Minnow together?

Unfortunately, there is no temperature range that satisfies both species. Blue Dolphin (Hap) requires 24–28°C, while White Cloud Mountain Minnow needs 14–22°C.

Are Blue Dolphin (Hap) or White Cloud Mountain Minnow aggressive?

Blue Dolphin (Hap) is moderately assertive (5/10) and White Cloud Mountain Minnow is peaceful (1/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.

What pH do Blue Dolphin (Hap) and White Cloud Mountain Minnow need?

Both species overlap in the 7.5–8 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.


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