Golden White Cloud

The Golden Cloud Minnow (Tanichthys albonubes sp. "golden cloud") is a colour variation of the White Cloud Mountain Minnow, featuring a striking golden body with red and yellow accents. These fish are hardy and easy to care for, making them ideal for beginners. Here's how to care for Golden Cloud Minnows in an aquarium:

Tank Size:

• A minimum tank size of 30 liters is recommended for a small school of 5-6 golden cloud minnows.
• Due to their active swimming behaviour, a longer tank (rather than a tall tank) provides more horizontal space, which they will enjoy.

Water Temperature:

• Golden clouds are cool-water fish, thriving in temperatures between 16-26°C.
• They can tolerate slightly lower temperatures, making them suitable for unheated tanks or even outdoor ponds in moderate climates.

pH and Water Hardness:

• Golden cloud minnows prefer a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0, with neutral to slightly alkaline water (around 7.0-8.0 being ideal).
• Water hardness should be between 5-19 dGH. They are quite adaptable to water conditions, as long as they remain stable.

Filtration and Water Flow:

• Use a gentle filtration system that provides moderate water flow. These fish thrive in well-oxygenated water, but they don't need strong currents.
• Perform regular water changes (20% weekly) to maintain water quality and ensure a healthy environment.

Tank Setup:

• Plants and Decor: Golden cloud minnows appreciate a heavily planted tank. Live plants like java fern, anacharis, hornwort, or moss provide hiding places and mimic their natural environment. Floating plants also help diffuse lighting, which can reduce stress.
• Substrate and Hardscape: Fine gravel or sand substrate is ideal, and adding driftwood and rocks can offer additional hiding spots and create a more natural habitat.
• Lighting: Moderate lighting is sufficient. They don't require intense light, but bright light helps enhance their golden coloration.

Social Structure:

• Golden clouds are peaceful, schooling fish, and they should be kept in groups of at least 6 individuals. Larger schools will reduce stress and encourage their natural schooling behavior.
• They are non-aggressive and do well in community tanks with other peaceful species. Avoid housing them with larger, aggressive fish.
• Good tank mates include species like zebra danios, guppies, platies, small tetras, and other non-aggressive species of a similar size.

Diet:

• Golden cloud minnows are omnivores and enjoy a varied diet. Feed them:
  • High-quality micro-pellets as their staple diet.
  • Supplement with live or frozen foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp, or bloodworms for additional protein.
  • Occasionally offer vegetable-based foods like spirulina flakes or blanched veggies.
• Feed small amounts 2-3 times per day, ensuring they eat within a few minutes.

Behaviour:

• Golden cloud minnows are active swimmers and very peaceful, making them a great addition to community tanks.
• They often engage in group swimming and show playful behaviour, especially when kept in larger schools.
• Males may display brighter colours and chase females during mating periods, but aggression is minimal.

Breeding:

• Golden cloud minnows are easy to breed in captivity. They are egg scatterers, laying eggs among plants or over a substrate.
• For breeding:
  • Use a separate tank with fine-leaved plants or a spawning mop to catch the eggs.
  • Remove the adults after spawning, as they might eat the eggs.
  • The eggs will hatch in 24-48 hours, and the fry can be fed infusoria or powdered fry food until they are large enough to eat crushed flakes or baby brine shrimp.

Lifespan:

• With proper care, Golden Cloud Minnows can live 5 years or more in captivity.

Golden cloud minnows are resilient, adaptable, and active fish that brighten up any aquarium. Their hardiness and peaceful nature make them an excellent choice for aquarists of all skill levels.