White Cloud Minnows are one of the most gorgeous and energetic little fish you’ll ever see in a tank! They’re like tiny little acrobats, jumping and flitting around the tank, never sitting still for long. They are a true delight to watch, and their peaceful nature makes them the perfect addition to any community tank.
The White Cloud Mountain Minnow, also known as Tanichthys albonubes, is a freshwater fish species that’s native to China and Vietnam. Unfortunately, due to pollution and tourism, this species is now considered endangered and is practically extinct in the wild. But don’t worry, a small number of native populations have been discovered and are being protected. Today, all White Cloud Mountain Minnows sold in the aquarium trade are captive-bred. Now, let’s take a closer look at their care requirements and learn how you can best take care of these interesting little fish.
| Care Data | Description |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Tanichthys albonubes |
| Tank Size | Minimum 5 gallons (18.9 L) |
| Water Temperature | 64-74°F (18-23°C) |
| pH Level | 6.0-8.0 |
| Water Hardness | Soft to medium (5-19 dGH) |
| Lighting | Low to moderate |
| Filtration | Required |
| Feeding | Omnivorous, feed once or twice a day |
| Social Behaviour | Peaceful, can be kept in a community tank |
| Breeding | Egg-layer, breeding in a separate tank is recommended |
| Size | 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) |
| Life Span | 5-7 years |
| Special Care | None, but regular water changes are necessary to maintain water quality |
Appearance
Their body is a shimmering bronze-brown, with a fluorescent line running from eye to tail, ending in a dark spot surrounded by brilliant red. The belly is whiter than the body, and the anal and dorsal fins are both splashed with red and edged in white. They possess no barbells, and the mouth slants upward, with the lower jaw slightly protruding.
There are several varieties, including a golden cultivar, a rosy pink variety, and others with bright light or red edges on the dorsal and anal fins. Males have brighter colors and a slimmer body, while females have a whiter and distended abdomen.
Lifespan
White Cloud Minnows have a lifespan of 5-7 years with proper care.
Average Size and Growth Rate
White Cloud Minnows grow to an adult length of 1.5 inches (3.8 cm). They reach sexual maturity between six months and one year of age..
Tank Size
A minimum tank size of 5 gallons (18.9 L) is recommended for keeping White Cloud Minnows.
Water Parameters
These minnows are great for beginners because they are very forgiving with regards to aquarium temperature and water quality.
Water conditions should be between 64-74°F (18-23°C), with a hardness (dGH) of 5 to 19 and a pH of 6.0 to 8.0.
Diet
White Cloud Minnows eat all types of food, including live, frozen, and flake food. They particularly relish mosquito larvae, daphnia, and brine shrimp. Feed a good variety of dry and frozen foods, including live foods whenever possible.
| Food Option | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Brine Shrimp | Brine shrimp are a staple food for White Cloud Minnows, providing them with essential vitamins, minerals, and protein. They are an excellent source of energy, helping to promote healthy growth and vibrant color. |
| Mosquito Larvae | Mosquito larvae are a favorite food of White Cloud Minnows, offering a rich source of protein and other essential nutrients. They also help to keep their digestive system healthy and promote a healthy appetite. |
| Daphnia | Daphnia are a small, freshwater crustacean that are high in protein and other essential nutrients. They help to provide a balanced diet, aiding in the growth and overall health of White Cloud Minnows. |
| Flake Food | Flake food is a convenient and easy-to-use food option for White Cloud Minnows. It is formulated to meet their dietary needs, providing them with a balanced diet, and helping to support their overall health and well-being. |
| Bloodworms | Live food such as bloodworms offer White Cloud Minnows a natural and varied diet. It stimulates their hunting instincts, promoting their overall health and well-being. |
| Pellets | Pellets are a great option for White Cloud Minnows, providing them with a balanced diet in a convenient form. They are easy to feed and are formulated to meet their dietary needs, promoting healthy growth and vibrant color. |
| Vegetables | Vegetables, such as spinach and lettuce, offer a great source of fiber and other essential vitamins and minerals. They help to keep the digestive system healthy and promote overall health and well-being. |
| Micro-Foods | Micro-foods, such as fine-ground fry food, provide a great source of nutrition for young White Cloud Minnows. They are easy to digest and help to promote rapid growth and overall health. |
| Krill | Krill are a small, shrimp-like crustacean that are high in protein and essential nutrients. They provide a balanced diet and help to promote healthy growth and vibrant color in White Cloud Minnows. |
Housing Requirements
Substrate for the White Cloud Mountain Minnow tank should be fine and darker in color, with plenty of vegetation as well as some rocks and driftwood. Leave an open area for swimming and offer subdued lighting to bring out the colors of this fish.
The aquarium should also have a top because these minnows have been known to jump out on rare occasions.
Behavior and Temperament
White Cloud Minnows are peaceful and fit well with other small peaceful fish. They should be kept in good-sized schools, preferably of a half dozen or more. When kept singly, they tend to lose color and hide most of the time. Avoid larger tankmates, as they will be inclined to eat White Cloud Minnows, and the same is true of any aggressive species.
Breeding
Breeding White Cloud Mountain Minnows is a fun hobby that is perfect for first-time breeders. These fish are easy to breed and they are egg-scatterers that breed year-round. But before you start your breeding journey, it’s important to understand the differences between male and female White Cloud Mountain Minnows.
Male White Cloud Mountain Minnows are more slender and brilliantly colored than females. On the other hand, females that are ready to spawn have a fuller abdomen. Both males and females reach sexual maturity between six months and one year of age.
There are two approaches to breeding White Cloud Mountain Minnows. The first approach is to keep a large school of White Clouds in the original tank and let them breed naturally. As these fish are not as aggressive about eating their eggs and fry as other fish, some of the young will survive if there are plants and other hiding areas near the bottom of the tank.
The second approach is to set up a small breeding tank of 5 to 10 gallons in size. Add a couple of the most colorful males and twice as many females to the tank. The tank should be equipped with a spawning mop and/or clumps of plants where the fish can deposit eggs. The water should be soft, with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5, and a temperature of 68 to 72°F (20 to 22°C). No substrate is necessary if you are setting up a separate breeding tank. Gentle filtration, such as a sponge filter, is recommended.
Before breeding, it’s important to condition the fish with live foods, such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and mosquito larvae. If live food is not available, high-quality frozen food can be used. Once spawning begins, eggs will be scattered over the plants or spawning mop for up to 24 hours. The eggs will hatch in 36 to 48 hours, and the parents should be removed once the eggs begin to hatch to improve yield.
The fry should be fed very fine micro-foods or liquid fry food initially, followed by freshly hatched brine shrimp. With proper care, the young will grow rapidly and be easy to care for.
Tankmates
White Clouds are often sold as companions for goldfish, due to both species preferring colder water temperatures. However, goldfish can and often do eat fish the size of White Cloud Minnows. Therefore, combining these two species in the same aquarium is not a good idea.
| Tankmate | Description |
|---|---|
| Neon Tetra | A colorful and peaceful fish that adds vibrant hues to a community tank. |
| Guppies | Livebearing fish with bright colors and playful personalities, perfect for a lively community tank. |
| Platies | Another livebearing species with unique color patterns and a peaceful demeanor, great for a community tank. |
| Cherry Shrimp | Colorful crustaceans that help keep the tank healthy while providing an interesting addition to the community. |
| Corydoras Catfish | Bottom-dwelling fish that helps keep the substrate clean and adds interest to the tank. |
| Bamboo Shrimp | Another cleaning creature with the added bonus of an interesting appearance and fascinating feeding habits. |
| Rummy Nose Tetra | A brightly colored fish with a playful personality and a peaceful demeanor, perfect for a community tank. |
| Harlequin Rasbora | A small and vibrant fish that adds color and activity to a community tank. |
| Otocinclus Catfish | A small, peaceful fish that helps keep the tank clean and adds interest to the community. |
| Celestial Pearl Danio | A small and brightly colored fish with an energetic personality, perfect for a lively community tank. |
| Cardinal Tetra | A vibrant and peaceful fish with a distinctive red marking, great for a community tank. |
| Amano Shrimp | An excellent algae eater with a unique appearance, adding both function and form to the community. |
| Endler’s Livebearer | A small and brightly colored fish with a playful personality, perfect for a community tank. |
| African Dwarf Frogs | Amphibians with a unique appearance and peaceful behavior, great for a community tank. |
| Mollies | Livebearing fish with a wide range of colors and a peaceful demeanor, great for a community tank. |
| Zebra Danios | Fast-swimming fish with a lively personality and a peaceful demeanor, perfect for a community tank. |
| Black Neon Tetra | A small and vibrant fish with a peaceful demeanor, perfect for a community tank. |
| Siamese Algae Eaters | A hardy and energetic fish that helps keep the tank clean and adds interest to the community. |
| Rosy Barbs | A small and lively fish with a peaceful demeanor, perfect for a community tank. |
| Ghost Shrimp | A cleaning creature with a unique translucent appearance, adding both function and form to the community. |
Variants and Morphs
There are two commonly available variants: the “Golden Cloud” and the longer-finned “Meteor Minnow”. Inbreeding of Golden Clouds has also resulted in “Blonde” Clouds and “Pink Clouds”.
Diseases and Illnesses
| Illness | Symptoms | Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (Ich) | White spots on skin, Scratching, Loss of appetite, Gasping for air at the water surface | Raise the temperature of the aquarium to 86°F for 3 days, then gradually lower it to normal. Change 25% of the water every day during treatment. Use malachite green or formalin-based medication, following the instructions carefully. |
| Fin rot | Frayed or torn fins, Discoloration of fins, Loss of fin tissue | Clean and maintain the aquarium properly to reduce stress. Raise the temperature of the water to 82°F to speed up the healing process. Change 25% of the water every day. Use a combination of nitrofurazone and metronidazole, following the instructions carefully. |
| Swim bladder disease | Difficulty swimming, Floating upside down, Loss of balance | Maintain a healthy diet and feeding schedule. Avoid overfeeding. Change 25% of the water every day. Use epsom salt at a rate of 1 teaspoon per gallon of water. Consider using metronidazole if the issue persists. |
| Columnaris | Ulcer-like sores on the skin, Frayed fins, Cloudy eyes | Clean and maintain the aquarium properly. Raise the temperature of the water to 82°F to speed up the healing process. Change 25% of the water every day. Use a columnaris treatment containing oxytetracycline or kanamycin, following the instructions carefully. |
History and Origin
The White Cloud Mountain minnow was discovered in the 1930s by a Boy Scout leader named Tan in the city of Guangzhou in the province of Guangdong. That’s why its scientific name is Tanichthys, which means “Tan’s fish”. The specific name, albonubes, comes from the Latin words “alba nubes” meaning “white cloud”.
The White Cloud Mountain Minnow is believed to have originated in the mountainous regions of China and Vietnam, where it lived in pristine streams and rivers surrounded by lush vegetation. However, as the human population grew, so did the pollution and habitat destruction in the areas where the White Cloud Mountain Minnow lived. By the 1980s, the species was considered extinct in the wild and only existed in captivity.
A Second Chance
Despite its dire situation, the White Cloud Mountain Minnow was not ready to fade away just yet. In the 1990s, small populations of the fish were rediscovered in isolated areas of China and Vietnam, giving the species a second chance. Conservation efforts were launched to protect and conserve the remaining populations, and today the White Cloud Mountain Minnow is once again a thriving species in the wild. In addition, captive breeding programs have helped to ensure that the fish continues to thrive in home aquariums all over the world.
In the Pond
White Cloud Mountain minnows are also suitable for pond use, especially for breeding frogs. They will control the breeding of mosquitoes and breed readily as long as there are no other fish in the pond. Good heating systems are recommended to prevent the water from freezing over.
Conclusion
The White Cloud Minnow is a true gem in the world of aquarium fish. Its beauty, hardiness, and ease of care make it the perfect addition to any aquarium. Whether you’re looking to create a peaceful community tank or just looking to add a pop of color, these minnows are sure to bring joy and excitement to your underwater world. So why wait? Start exploring the magical world of the White Cloud Minnow today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many White Cloud Minnows can be kept in a 10 gallon tank?
A: It’s recommended to keep no more than 5 White Cloud Minnows in a 10 gallon tank.
Q: How many White Cloud Minnows can be kept in a 20 gallon tank?
A: It’s recommended to keep no more than 10 White Cloud Minnows in a 20 gallon tank.
Q: Are White Cloud Minnows live bearers?
A: No, White Cloud Minnows are egg-layers.
Q: Can White Cloud Minnows live with Bettas?
A: Yes, White Cloud Minnows are generally peaceful and can be kept in a community tank with Bettas.
Q: Can White Cloud Mountain Minnows live in a pond?
A: Yes, White Cloud Mountain Minnows can live in a pond, provided the water temperature, pH level, and hardness are suitable for their needs.
Q: Do White Cloud Minnows like a current?
A: White Cloud Minnows prefer still water, but a gentle current is acceptable.
Q: Do White Cloud Mountain Minnows need a filter?
A: Yes, a filter is necessary to maintain good water quality for White Cloud Mountain Minnows.
Q: How long do White Cloud Minnows live?
A: White Cloud Minnows have a lifespan of 5-7 years.
Q: How many White Cloud Minnows can be kept in a 5 gallon tank?
A: It’s recommended to keep no more than 2-3 White Cloud Minnows in a 5 gallon tank.
Q: How many White Cloud Minnows per gallon?
A: It’s recommended to keep no more than 2-3 White Cloud Minnows per gallon of water.
Q: How often should White Cloud Mountain Minnows be fed?
A: White Cloud Mountain Minnows should be fed once or twice a day.
Q: How can you tell if a White Cloud Minnow is pregnant?
A: It’s difficult to determine if a White Cloud Minnow is pregnant. The female may have a slightly rounded belly and breeding tubercles may appear on the male’s gill covers.
Q: What do White Cloud Minnow eggs look like?
A: White Cloud Minnow eggs are small and transparent, and they are usually laid on plants or other surfaces in the aquarium.
Q: What do White Cloud Minnows eat?
A: White Cloud Minnows are omnivorous and will eat both plant-based and animal-based foods, such as flakes, pellets, frozen or live food, and vegetation.
Q: What should you feed White Cloud Minnow fry?
A: White Cloud Minnow fry should be fed small amounts of infusoria, newly hatched brine shrimp, or liquid fry foods until they are big enough to eat other foods.
Q: Are White Cloud Minnows aggressive?
A: No, White Cloud Minnows are peaceful and can be kept in a community tank.
Q: Do White Cloud Minnows eat shrimp?
A: Yes, White Cloud Minnows are omnivorous and will eat shrimp as part of their diet if they are small enough to fit in their mouth.
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