The White Cloud Mountain Minnow(Tanichthys albonubes) is a hardy and excellent beginner fish. Being a member of the cyprinidae family, this fish is very active, and loves swimming in the filter’s currents. It is not strictly a tropical fish and is quite happy in an unheated tank.

Lifetime

The White Cloud Mountain Minnow typically lives up to 10 years.

Size

An adult fish can get up to 1.5 inches (3.5cm)

Why That Name?

White Cloud Mountain Minnows have been discovered by a Chinese scout named Tan in the late 1920’s in the White Cloud Mountains in China. The scientific name Tanichthys albonubes means Tan’s fish from the white clouds.

Aquarium conditions

White Clouds can withstand temperatures from 50°F (10°C) to 86°F(30°C) but such temperatures may stress the fish and should be avoided. Hardness and pH are not important even for breeding. But the fish does better in soft and slightly acidic water. The White Cloud Mountain Minnow can be housed in a community tank where it will school with both its counterparts and other schooling fish.

Feeding

This minnow is not a fussy eater and will thrive on almost anything. Don’t forget to make sure your fish gets a balanced diet by giving live food supplements.

Breeding

Sexing and breeding these fish is pretty easy. They are egglayers and release non-adhesive eggs. Breeding is discussed in details in the White Cloud Mountain Minnow Breeding article.