White Cloud Mountain minnow (Tanichthys albonubes) – 3cm

These Minnows are wonderful beginner fish. They are easy to care for, don’t need a large tank, not too messy and work very well in community tanks. They prefer lower temperature water less than 22°C.  Adult size: up to 4 cm, minimum tank size: 20 litres.

The White Cloud Mountain Minnow (Tanichthys albonubes) is a freshwater Minnow that belongs to the Cyprinidae family and are a relatively new species, discovered in China in 1932. It was first discovered by a boy named Tan, who gave him the name of the fish genus Tanichthys, while the word albonubes means “white cloud”.   It is also known as the White Sky Fish, Cardinal Fish, or Canton Minnow. Sometimes, they are mistakenly labeled as Danios.  In the wild these fish inhabit the streams of Guangzhou’s Baiyun (White Cloud) Mountain. These streams are clear, slightly acidic with a low to moderate flow.

Behaviour

They are a schooling fish and should be kept in groups, being peaceful they can be kept with other community type fish.

White Clouds are very peaceful outside of mating season. When competing for mates, the males will become aggressive and territorial. They are usually very cooperative and will swim and feed in coordinated shoals. These fish like to be in schools of at least 5 or 6 individuals. The larger their school is, the less timid the fish will be.

They will not harass or compete with their tank mates, so they make great community fish. They are not particularly shy so long as they feel safe and comfortable in their group.

You will find them showing off their bright colors at the middle levels of your tank.  In spite of their small size, they will show themselves happily if they are in a large enough group. They are not particularly keen on hiding, although they will appreciate rocks and plants for extra shelter.

Tank Conditions

Provide a well planted tank with open space to swim. Underwater plants are a must for any White Cloud tank. Good plants include Dwarf Rotala, Water Sprite and Hornwort. Floating plants like Duckweed and Pondweed help to create a more natural look for your tank. Just make sure that they do not shade out your fish or your other plants.

Your tank should be kept between 18 to 22°C. Fluctuations above and below this range are tolerable, but the temperature should never exceed 27°C.

A small internal filter or an undergravel filter works just fine for these fish. Undergravel filters in general can generate small currents that simulate the moderate flow in their native streams.  You should use a rocky gravel substrate, with large pebbles. Larger boulders and cobbles should be included as part of your décor. These rocks provide extra shelter and security when your fish feel the need to hide.

Your aquarium should be covered as they are known to be jumpers.

Compatibility

Being peaceful they can be kept with other community type fish.  In their natural habitat they they can be found with Gold Barbs, Weather Loaches and Paradise Gourami.  These wild river-mates make for the best aquarium tank mates.

They can live with Gold, Cherry and Rosy Barbs.  Also with Dojo and Horseface Loaches.

The Dwarf Gourami is ideal due to its peaceful personality and suitability for community tanks. Zebra Danios and Corydoras Catfish will fit right in also. The Danios also prefer the same cooler water temperatures.

These fish will not harass or prey on any invertebrates, so you will be fine adding in a couple of shrimp or snails.

If you are keeping one of the long fin variety of white clouds, avoid pairing them with Barbs as they are known for nipping and biting at the fins of long finned fish.

Do not include the more aggressive Loaches and Barbs, such as the Tiger Barb or the Clown Loach. Cichlids should also be avoided because of their pushy personalities.

Feeding

The best diet includes an equal balance of live prey, greenery and flake or pellet foods.  Water fleas and brine shrimp will mimic the natural zooplankton colonies that these fish would find in the wild. They will also eat tubifex and other micro-worms for protein.

They will not eat your plants, but will help clean up any extra algae that build up in your tank.

Any crushed flake or pellet foods you give them should be high in protein and vegetable content. In tanks with little algae, fish food high in algae (Spirulina) will help make sure they get enough greens. See the product tag Fish Food for Herbivores at Rebel Pets for suitable foods.

These tiny fish have very big appetites and must be fed 2 or 3 times per day.

Care

They are very hardy fish that can tolerate a wide range of temperature and water quality fluctuations. Their ideal temperature is 18 to 22°C, but they can survive temperatures as low as 5°C.

Your tank should be cycled completely before you add any fish. Improper cycling can expose your fish to toxic buildups of ammonia and nitrogen which can be fatal for even the hardiest fish.

See Fish Disease Diagnosis and Treatment at Rebel Pets for help with diagnosing and treating diseases.