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
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Water Parameters
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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
Top Tank Mates
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Corydoras paleatus
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🟢Ideal Tank MatesWhite 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. An aquarium test kit can help you monitor these values.
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. Browse smooth aquarium gravel options to find the best fit.
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.
Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for White Cloud Mountain Minnow.
10 Gallon Standard
15 Gallon Standard
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
Show 22 more tank sizes
Frequently Asked Questions About White Cloud Mountain Minnow
How big does White Cloud Mountain Minnow get?
White Cloud Mountain Minnow (Tanichthys albonubes) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 4 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does White Cloud Mountain Minnow need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 38 litres and a tank length of at least 45 cm are recommended for White Cloud Mountain Minnow. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does White Cloud Mountain Minnow need?
White Cloud Mountain Minnow thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 14–22°C, a pH between 6 and 8, and a general hardness of 5–20 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is White Cloud Mountain Minnow peaceful or aggressive?
White Cloud Mountain Minnow is classified as peaceful with an aggression score of 1 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
How many White Cloud Mountain Minnow should be kept together?
White Cloud Mountain Minnow is a schooling species and should be kept in groups of at least 6. Larger groups help distribute aggression and encourage natural schooling behaviour.
Does White Cloud Mountain Minnow have any special tank requirements?
Yes. White Cloud Mountain Minnow benefits from plants - densely covered and smooth gravel (sensitive barbels) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Does White Cloud Mountain Minnow need a lid on the tank?
Yes. White Cloud Mountain Minnow is a known jumper, and a tight-fitting lid or cover is essential to prevent escape. Even a small gap can be enough for a determined fish to leap out.
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