White Cloud Minnows (Golden) (Tanichthys albonubes) Import

White Cloud Minnows (Tanichthys albonubes)

The White Cloud Mountain Minnow is a small, hardy freshwater fish native to China. Known for its shimmering body, bright red fins, and peaceful demeanor, it is an excellent choice for beginner and experienced aquarists alike. This species thrives in cooler water and is ideal for nano or community tanks, adding activity and color to any setup.

Natural Habitat

White Cloud Minnows originate from cool, slow-moving streams and rivers in the White Cloud Mountain region of Guangdong, China. These habitats are clear, well-oxygenated, and surrounded by lush vegetation.

Aquarium Care

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 40 liters for a small group (6–8 individuals).
• Water Temperature: 16–22°C (can tolerate cooler temperatures than most tropical fish).
• pH Range: 6.0–8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline).
• Water Hardness: 5–15 dGH (soft to moderately hard water).
• Filtration: Gentle to moderate flow, replicating their natural environment.

Aquascaping

• Substrate: Fine gravel or sand.
• Plants: Include live plants such as Java Fern, Anacharis, Hornwort, or floating plants like Duckweed to provide shade and cover.
• Decor: Driftwood, smooth rocks, and caves can be added for variety and shelter.
• Lighting: Moderate lighting highlights their iridescent colors.

Tank Mates

White Cloud Minnows are peaceful and thrive in community tanks with other gentle species. Suitable companions include:

• Other small schooling fish like neon tetras or rasboras.
• Bottom-dwellers such as Corydoras or small loaches.
• Shrimp species like cherry or Amano shrimp.
  Avoid: Aggressive or fin-nipping species that may stress or harm them.

Feeding

White Cloud Minnows are omnivorous and enjoy a varied diet:

• Staple Foods: High-quality flakes or micro-pellets formulated for small fish.
• Protein: Supplement with live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms.
• Vegetable Matter: Offer spirulina-based foods or finely chopped blanched vegetables occasionally.
  Feed small portions 1–2 times daily, ensuring all fish are fed.

Behavior and Personality

• Activity: Active swimmers, usually found in the mid-to-upper levels of the tank.
• Social Behavior: They are schooling fish and should be kept in groups of at least 6 to display natural behaviors and reduce stress.
• Temperament: Peaceful and non-aggressive, making them excellent community fish.

Breeding

Breeding White Cloud Minnows is straightforward in the home aquarium.

Sexing

• Males: Slimmer and more brightly colored, with longer dorsal and anal fins.
• Females: Rounder, especially when carrying eggs, and slightly duller in color.

Breeding Tank Setup

• A separate breeding tank of 20 liters with soft, slightly acidic to neutral water is ideal.
• Include fine-leafed plants or spawning mops for egg-laying.
• Maintain a temperature of around 20°C.

Breeding Process

1. Condition adults with high-quality live or frozen foods.
2. Males display to females by flaring fins and intensifying their colors.
3. Eggs are scattered among plants and hatch within 24–36 hours.

Fry Care

• Feed fry infusoria or liquid fry food initially.
• Transition to baby brine shrimp or finely powdered food as they grow.

Key Notes

• Temperature Range: They can thrive in unheated tanks, making them ideal for room-temperature aquariums.
• Hardiness: White Cloud Minnows are tolerant of a wide range of conditions, but stable water quality is essential for long-term health.
• Behavior: Keep them in schools to observe their natural social interactions and reduce shyness.

The White Cloud Mountain Minnow (Tanichthys albonubes) is a beautiful, low-maintenance species that brings activity and color to any aquarium. Its adaptability, peaceful nature, and ease of care make it an excellent choice for aquarists of all levels.