White Cloud

⚫ White Cloud Mountain Minnow (Tanichthys albonubes) Care Guide

Also known as the White Cloud Minnow

The White Cloud Mountain Minnow is a hardy, peaceful freshwater fish admired for its shimmering silver body, iridescent stripe, and bright red fins. Originating from cool mountain streams in China, this species is ideal for beginner aquarists, planted tanks, and unheated aquariums.

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Tank Requirements

Minimum Tank Size: 40 litres

Temperature: 16–24°C

pH: 6.0–8.0

GH: 4–15

KH: 2–10

TDS: 100–250 ppm

They prefer cooler, well-oxygenated water with gentle to moderate flow. White Clouds do not require a heater in most indoor environments.

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Habitat Setup

Recreate their natural stream environment with:

• Fine gravel or sand substrate

• Live plants (especially stem and grass-like plants)

• Open swimming space

• Gentle to moderate water flow

A well-planted tank with open areas allows them to school naturally and display their best coloration.

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️ Feeding

White Cloud Mountain Minnows are omnivorous and easy to feed:

• High-quality flakes or micro pellets

• Frozen or live foods (daphnia, brine shrimp, bloodworms)

• Occasional vegetable-based or spirulina foods

Feed small amounts 1–2 times daily.

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Tank Mates

White Clouds are peaceful, active, and social, best kept in groups of 6 or more.

Ideal companions:

• Other White Cloud varieties

• Small Rasboras

• Corydoras (cool-water tolerant species)

• Shrimp and snails

Avoid:

• Aggressive fish

• Tropical species requiring high temperatures

⚠️ Behavioral Note: Males may display to each other with flared fins and short chases, especially during breeding, but this behavior is harmless.

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Breeding

Breeding is easy in aquariums.

• Eggs are scattered among plants or spawning mops

• Adults may eat eggs, so remove eggs or parents if breeding intentionally

• Eggs hatch in 36–48 hours

• Fry can be fed infusoria, powdered fry food, and baby brine shrimp

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Sexing / Identification

Males:

• Brighter coloration

• Slimmer body

• More vivid red fins

Females:

• Larger, rounder body

• Duller coloration

• Fuller belly when carrying eggs

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Interesting Fact

White Cloud Mountain Minnows were once thought to be extinct in the wild, but small populations have since been rediscovered. Today, they remain one of the most popular cool-water aquarium fish worldwide.

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Reference: Bubbly Fish – Creating underwater wonders