White Cloud Mountain Minnow

White Cloud Mountain Minnow

Scientific Name: Tanichthys albonubes
Common Names: White Cloud, White Cloud Minnow
Origin: Mountain streams of Southern China and Northern Vietnam
Adult Size: 1–1.5 inches (2.5–3.8 cm)
Lifespan: 4–6 years
Temperament: Peaceful, active, schooling
Swimming Zone: Top to midwater

Sales Description

The White Cloud Mountain Minnow is a timeless favorite among aquarists for its resilience, peaceful nature, and elegant appearance. Featuring a soft metallic sheen, white-gold lateral stripe, and vibrant red fins, these small fish are an excellent choice for both heated and unheated aquariums. They are especially valued in nano tanks and community setups where a calm, active schooling species is desired.

Ideal for beginners and seasoned hobbyists alike, White Clouds are highly adaptable and tolerate a wide range of water conditions. In groups of six or more, they exhibit lively schooling behavior and truly shine in well-planted aquariums with darker substrates and gentle filtration.

Care Guide

White Cloud Minnows are incredibly hardy and thrive in a variety of setups, from small planted aquariums to temperate community tanks. They are comfortable at cooler room temperatures, ideally between 64–74°F (18–23°C), making them one of the best fish for unheated tanks or outdoor summer tubs. They prefer clean, well-oxygenated water with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5 and low to moderate hardness. Stable parameters and regular water changes of 20–30% weekly help maintain their health and color.

These fish are omnivorous and easy to feed. They accept a wide range of prepared foods including micro pellets, flakes, and small granules. For best coloration and breeding readiness, supplement with frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, or mosquito larvae. A bit of plant matter in the diet, like spirulina or algae-based flakes, is also beneficial.

White Clouds are peaceful and social, happiest when kept in groups of at least six—though larger schools show more natural behavior and tighter swimming formations. They coexist well with other small, gentle species such as pygmy corydoras, small rasboras, otocinclus, endlers, and shrimp. Avoid pairing them with aggressive or much larger fish.

Breeding Notes

White Cloud Mountain Minnows are among the easiest egg-laying fish to breed. They are egg scatterers and often spawn spontaneously in well-maintained aquariums. Eggs are typically laid among fine-leaved plants or mosses, and adults may consume them if not separated. Fry hatch within 2–3 days and can be fed infusoria, powdered fry food, or freshly hatched baby brine shrimp. A breeding setup with dense plants or a spawning mop will increase fry survival.