Can Scat (Brackish) and White Cloud Mountain Minnow Live Together?

🔴Not Recommended

Scat (Brackish) and White Cloud Mountain Minnow are not recommended as tank mates due to incompatible water types. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.


At a Glance

Scat (Brackish)

Scatophagus argus

White Cloud Mountain Minnow

Tanichthys albonubes

🐠Family Group
Scat (Brackish)
Oddballs
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Cyprinids
Temperament
Scat (Brackish)
Mostly Peaceful (4/10)
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Peaceful (1/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Scat (Brackish)
20–28°C
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
14–22°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Scat (Brackish)
7.5–8.5
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
6–8
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Scat (Brackish)
12–30
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
5–20
Water Type
✗ No overlap
Scat (Brackish)
Brackish Required
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Scat (Brackish)
High
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 540 L
Scat (Brackish)
450 L
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
38 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Scat (Brackish)
MiddleBottom
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
TopMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Scat (Brackish)
Plant DestroyerHyperactive / Fast SwimmerAggressive Eater (Starves shy fish)Fin Nipper
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)

Behaviour & Temperament

Scat (Brackish) is a generally mild-mannered species (4/10), while White Cloud Mountain Minnow is peaceful (1/10). This modest difference means Scat (Brackish) may occasionally assert dominance over White Cloud Mountain Minnow.

Scat (Brackish) 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 20°C and 22°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 21.0°C) for optimal comfort.

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 12–20 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Crucially, these species require different water types — one needs freshwater while the other requires brackish conditions. This is a hard barrier to keeping them together. An aquarium test kit is recommended for monitoring.

Tank Setup

To house Scat (Brackish) and White Cloud Mountain Minnow together, plan for an aquarium of at least 540 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), Established Algae (Otocinclus), Plants - Densely covered. Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Note a potential conflict in setup requirements: Scat (Brackish) 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 high (river/stream) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.

Find the right tank equipment

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can Scat (Brackish) and White Cloud Mountain Minnow live together?

No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as different water type needs — make cohabitation unsafe.

What size tank do Scat (Brackish) and White Cloud Mountain Minnow need?

A minimum of 540 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 Scat (Brackish) and White Cloud Mountain Minnow together?

Keep the aquarium between 20°C and 22°C. A target of around 21.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Scat (Brackish) or White Cloud Mountain Minnow aggressive?

Scat (Brackish) is generally mild-mannered (4/10) and White Cloud Mountain Minnow is peaceful (1/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Scat (Brackish) 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.

Will Scat (Brackish) nip White Cloud Mountain Minnow's fins?

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


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