Can Rosy Barb and White Cloud Mountain Minnow Live Together?

🟢Ideal Tank Mates

Yes, Rosy Barb and White Cloud Mountain Minnow are ideal tank mates. Both species share compatible water parameters and peaceful temperaments, making them well-suited for a community aquarium. A minimum tank size of 132 litres is recommended.


At a Glance

Rosy Barb

Pethia conchonius

White Cloud Mountain Minnow

Tanichthys albonubes

🐟Family Group
Rosy Barb
Cyprinids
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Cyprinids
Temperament
Rosy Barb
Mostly Peaceful (3/10)
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Peaceful (1/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Rosy Barb
18–25°C
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
14–22°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Rosy Barb
6–8
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
6–8
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Rosy Barb
4–15
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
5–20
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Rosy Barb
Freshwater Only
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Rosy Barb
Moderate
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 132 L
Rosy Barb
110 L
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
38 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Rosy Barb
MiddleBottom
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
TopMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Rosy Barb
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerFin NipperAggressive Eater (Starves shy fish)Plant Destroyer
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)

Behaviour & Temperament

Rosy Barb is a generally mild-mannered species (3/10), while White Cloud Mountain Minnow is peaceful (1/10). This modest difference means Rosy Barb may occasionally assert dominance over White Cloud Mountain Minnow.

Rosy Barb 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

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 18°C and 22°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 20.0°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 6 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 5–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Rosy Barb and White Cloud Mountain Minnow together, plan for an aquarium of at least 132 litres with a minimum length of 80 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: Plants - Densely covered, Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Note a potential conflict in setup requirements: Rosy Barb is a plant destroyer, which conflicts with White Cloud Mountain Minnow's requirement for live plants. Compromise where possible or prioritise the more critical need.

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 Rosy Barb and White Cloud Mountain Minnow live together?

Yes. Rosy Barb and White Cloud Mountain Minnow are considered ideal tank mates. Their water parameters, temperaments, and behaviour profiles are well matched for a community aquarium.

What size tank do Rosy Barb and White Cloud Mountain Minnow need?

A minimum of 132 litres (tank length at least 80 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 Rosy Barb and White Cloud Mountain Minnow together?

Keep the aquarium between 18°C and 22°C. A target of around 20.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Rosy Barb or White Cloud Mountain Minnow aggressive?

Rosy Barb is generally mild-mannered (3/10) and White Cloud Mountain Minnow is peaceful (1/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Rosy Barb and White Cloud Mountain Minnow need?

Both species overlap in the 6–8 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

Will Rosy Barb nip White Cloud Mountain Minnow's fins?

Rosy Barb is a known fin nipper. If White Cloud Mountain Minnow has long or flowing fins, there is a real risk of fin damage. Keeping Rosy Barb in a larger group can help redirect nipping behaviour toward conspecifics.


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