A hardy, peaceful, and active schooling fish famous for its ability to thrive in unheated, sub-tropical aquariums. Native to the mountain streams of China, they feature a bronze body with a striking neon-like lateral stripe and red-tipped fins. They are strictly schooling fish and must be kept in groups to feel secure and display their best colors.
At a Glance
Tank Requirements
Water Parameters
Temperament & Compatibility
Available Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard
The wild-type body form. Highly active and loves swimming against moderate currents. Males will frequently display to one another by flaring their fins.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Wild Type, Regular
Golden
A popular xanthic (gold/yellow) color morph of the standard White Cloud. Husbandry and behavior are identical to the wild type.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Gold Cloud, Xanthic, Yellow
Long Finned (Meteor Minnow)
A selectively bred morph with flowing, elongated fins. Due to the extra drag from their fins, they require lower flow rates than the standard variety to prevent exhaustion.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Meteor Minnow, Longfin
White Cloud Mountain Minnow Care Guide Summary
The White Cloud Mountain Minnow, scientifically known as Tanichthys albonubes, belongs to the Cyprinids family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 4 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as peaceful, this species primarily occupies the surface and mid-level zones of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the White Cloud Mountain Minnow requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 38 litres and a tank length of at least 45 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 14°C and 22°C, with a pH range of 6–8 and a general hardness of 5–20 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
The White Cloud Mountain Minnow is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. This species is available in 3 varieties: Standard, Golden, and Long Finned (Meteor Minnow). Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
White Cloud Mountain Minnow Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the White Cloud Mountain Minnow, a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the surface and mid-level zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise adequate surface area with floating cover to make them feel secure near the waterline and open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement. Useful additions include smooth gravel or rounded substrate to protect their sensitive barbels and dense planting to provide cover, break sightlines, and reduce stress. Keepers should note that a tight-fitting lid is essential, as this species is a known jumper.
White Cloud Mountain Minnow Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the White Cloud Mountain Minnow is a schooling species that feels most secure in a sizeable group, where natural shoaling behaviour reduces stress and brings out their best colours. When choosing tankmates, their energetic swimming style may stress more sedentary or timid species. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the surface and mid-level zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Frequently Asked Questions About White Cloud Mountain Minnow
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