White Cloud Mountain Minnow (Tanichthys Albonubes) Fish Species Profile
White Cloud Mountain Minnows are small, active, colourful fish.
Their back is browny-yellow; they have a silvery-blue and golden stripe that runs along the body from its eyes to the tail, and the abdomen is white. The fins are yellow, and the medial side of the fluke is red coloured.
Mountain Minnows are not demanding; they are peaceful, hardy and pleasant looking, their small size and compatibility with other tank mates make it a perfect choice for beginners.
| Scientific Name | Tanichthys Albonubes |
|---|---|
| Other Names | Meteor Minnow, Golden White Cloud,chinese danio |
| Family | Cyprinidae |
| Genus | Tanichthys |
| Origins | China |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Middle - Top |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 6+ |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Layer |
| Lifespan | 5 - 7 years |
| Maximum Size | up to 4 cm |
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 60 - 72 ℉ (15.6 - 22.2 ℃) |
| PH | 6.0 - 8.0 |
| GH | 5 - 19 |
| KH | 2 - 6 |
| TDS | 50 - 250 |
Distribution & Origins
Mountain minnow had been discovered several kilometres north of Central Guangzhou and Guangdong Province in China.
Unfortunately, this species is extinct in its native habitat because their natural waters have become polluted.
Mountain minnows prefer a place with lots of plants and slow-moving, clear shallow water with a dense growth of vegetation and rocky substrates, so when getting these species try to incorporate these things into your home aquarium.
Dietary Requirements
Mountain minnows are not fussy when it comes to food. You will achieve the best condition and colours of this fish if you offer them regular meals of small frozen and live foods such as Daphnia, Artemia and blood worm as well as good quality flakes and granules with other algae or plant content.
Sexing the White Cloud Mountain Minnow
The female Mountain Minnow is slightly larger, and has a more rounded abdomen than the male, whereas the male's body is thin and more vibrant in colour.
Breeding the White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Mountain minnows are one of the more simple fish to breed, simply because they will ignore the eggs and generally co-exist with the tiniest fry. All that will be required is a dimly lit aquarium, right water conditions and plants for them to spawn in, java moss being the favourite choice to protect the eggs.
The hatching of the eggs will occur in two to three days after being fertilised, and the fry will stay hidden alongside the plants.