White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Description
The White Cloud Mountain Minnow is a small, peaceful fish known for its striking coloration. Its body is translucent with a bright white to silver appearance, and it features a red-orange coloration on its fins, especially in males. The males are typically more colorful than females, with brighter and more intense red-orange fins. These fish have a streamlined body with a characteristic dorsal fin and small size, making them a great option for nano aquariums or community setups. White Cloud Mountain Minnows are active swimmers and do well in schools, often seen darting around the middle to upper sections of the tank.
Habitat Origin
Native to the cool, fast-flowing streams and rivers in the White Cloud Mountains in China. These fish are found in slightly acidic to neutral water with low to medium hardness.
Aquarium
Ideal Number in Aquarium: At least 6 individuals, as they are schooling fish and feel more secure in groups.
Favorite Food
White Cloud Mountain Minnows are omnivores and will eat a variety of foods, including high-quality flake food, micro pellets, and live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms. They will also nibble on algae and plant matter in the aquarium.
Behavior:
White Cloud Mountain Minnows are peaceful, social fish that thrive in schools. They are active swimmers and are often seen darting about the tank, especially in the middle to upper levels. Despite their small size, they are very active and enjoy swimming through plants, rocks, and other tank decor. They are not territorial and do well with other peaceful fish, making them a great addition to community tanks. They do best in schools, as their social nature is most vibrant when they are in groups.
Special Care:
These minnows prefer a well-planted tank with plenty of hiding spots, such as plants, driftwood, and rocks. Since they are cold-water fish, it’s important to keep them in tanks with stable temperatures and provide them with moderate filtration. White Cloud Mountain Minnows are hardy and adaptable but thrive in cool water conditions. They should not be kept with tropical fish that prefer warmer water, as the temperature requirements of these species differ.
Compatibility with Other Fish:
Yes, White Cloud Mountain Minnows are excellent tankmates for other small, peaceful fish. They do well with other tetras, rasboras, and shrimp. They are also compatible with small catfish like Corydoras. Avoid keeping them with large or aggressive fish that might see them as food. They are best suited for community tanks with fish that have similar water temperature preferences.
Breeding Tank Setup
Although White Cloud Mountain Minnows can spawn in a community tank, setting up a dedicated breeding tank is highly recommended. This ensures the eggs and fry are not eaten and gives you greater control over water quality. A 10-gallon tank (38 liters) works well for a small breeding group, while a 20-gallon tank (75 liters) is better for larger colonies. Maintain pH between 6.5–7.5, temperature at 18–22°C (64–72°F), and hardness of 4–12 dGH. Use a gentle sponge filter and fine sand or gravel substrate. Add Java moss, Hornwort, or Anubias, along with floating plants like Water Sprite, to provide cover and spawning surfaces. Use moderate lighting on a 12-hour cycle to simulate natural conditions.
Conditioning for Breeding
Feed your minnows a rich, varied diet to prepare them for breeding. This should include high-quality flakes or pellets, live or frozen foods like brine shrimp and daphnia, and vegetable-based foods such as chopped spinach or peas. Healthy nutrition improves coloration, spawning readiness, and fertility. Conduct weekly 20–30% water changes, and to stimulate spawning, do a 50% change and slightly raise the water temperature to around 22°C (72°F)—mimicking spring conditions, which encourage reproductive activity.
Spawning Behavior
Spawning often takes place in the early morning, especially after a temperature increase or large water change. Males will chase and display vibrant colors to attract females. The female then scatters 30–100 adhesive eggs, which attach to plants, rocks, or decorations. Immediately remove the adults after spawning, as they may consume the eggs. The adhesive nature of the eggs allows them to remain hidden and protected among dense plant matter.
Fry Development
The eggs hatch in 2–3 days, depending on temperature. Newly hatched fry feed on their yolk sacs for the first few days, after which they should be fed infusoria or liquid fry food. As they grow, introduce baby brine shrimp, microworms, or finely crushed flakes. The fry will also begin grazing on biofilm and algae in the tank. Perform small daily or alternate-day water changes (10–20%) to maintain high water quality, and ensure the temperature remains stable between 18–22°C.
Additional Tips & Considerations
White Cloud Mountain Minnows reach sexual maturity at 6–8 months. Males are generally smaller, slimmer, and more colorful, especially during breeding. Females are larger and rounder, particularly when carrying eggs. To ensure successful breeding, avoid stressors such as temperature or pH swings and aggressive tank mates. Consistent maintenance, gentle filtration, and a peaceful environment will greatly enhance breeding outcomes.