Live fish will be delivered only to selected pincodes in Kolkata and nearby areas. The White Cloud Mountain Minnow (Tanichthys albonubes) is a small, peaceful, and colorful freshwater fish...
Live fish will be delivered only to selected pincodes in Kolkata and nearby areas.
The White Cloud Mountain Minnow (Tanichthys albonubes) is a small, peaceful, and colorful freshwater fish native to China. It’s often called the “poor man’s neon tetra” due to its shimmering appearance and affordability. Hardy and easy to care for, this species is ideal for beginner aquarists and nano tanks.
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Common Name | White Cloud Mountain Minnow |
Scientific Name | Tanichthys albonubes |
Family | Cyprinidae (carp and minnows) |
Origin | White Cloud Mountain, Guangdong, China |
Lifespan | 3–5 years (up to 7 with ideal care) |
Size | 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) |
Temperament | Peaceful, social |
Swimming Zone | Mid to upper |
Body: Slender, torpedo-shaped
Color:
Olive-bronze base
Iridescent blue stripe along the body
Pinkish fins with white tips (especially dorsal and tail)
Sex Differences:
Males: Brighter colors, slimmer bodies
Females: Rounder abdomen, duller hues
Standard/Wild-Type – Classic coloration
Golden White Cloud – Light gold/yellow body
Long-Fin White Cloud – Extended fins, elegant swimmers
Meteor Minnow – Redder body with long flowing fins (rare)
Parameter | Ideal Range |
---|---|
Tank Size | 10 gallons minimum (20+ preferred) |
School Size | Minimum 6 (more is better) |
Temperature | 60–72°F (15–22°C); prefers cool water |
pH Range | 6.0–8.0 |
Hardness | 5–19 dGH |
Substrate | Sand or fine gravel |
Décor | Live plants, driftwood, rocks |
Lighting | Moderate – enhances coloration |
No heater required unless your room is cold. Great for unheated tanks.
Type: Omnivore
Staple Food:
High-quality micro flakes or nano pellets
Treats:
Live/frozen foods: baby brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms
Veggies: blanched spinach, spirulina flakes
Feed 1–2 times daily; offer a variety to enhance color and health.
Best With:
Small peaceful fish:
Harlequin rasboras
Corydoras
Guppies
Zebra danios
Cherry barbs
Shrimp and snails
Avoid:
Aggressive or large fish (e.g., cichlids, bettas, angelfish)
Fin-nippers or species that need high temps
Peaceful and shoaling – always keep in groups of 6+
Active swimmers, especially in the mid-to-upper water column
Display playful chases and mild male competition during breeding season
Common Issues | Prevention/Treatment |
---|---|
Ich (White Spots) | Quarantine new fish, avoid temp shock |
Fin Rot | Clean water, avoid overcrowding |
Bloating | Feed balanced diet, avoid overfeeding |
Lifespan: 3–5 years; up to 7 with optimal conditions
Breeding Type: Egg scatterers (no parental care)
Spawning Conditions:
Slight temp rise (around 68–72°F)
Provide fine-leaf plants, moss, or spawning mops
Males display brighter colors and “dance” for females
Egg Care:
Remove adults post-spawning to prevent egg eating
Eggs hatch in ~48–72 hours
Fry Care:
Feed infusoria or liquid fry food initially
Then progress to baby brine shrimp or crushed flakes
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Extremely hardy and beginner-friendly | Very small – not for tanks with large fish |
Does well in cool water – no heater needed | May fade in color if under stress |
Peaceful and active schooler | Can be shy if kept in small groups |
Easy to breed | Eggs/fry may be eaten without protection |
Discovered in 1932 by Tan Kam Fei near White Cloud Mountain
Thought extinct in the wild by the 1980s due to pollution; wild populations now protected
Popular in planted nano tanks and no-heater community tanks
Sometimes used as "dither fish" to reduce aggression in shy species
Trait | Info |
---|---|
Size | 1–1.5 inches |
Lifespan | 3–5 years |
Tank Size | 10+ gallons |
Water Temp | 60–72°F (no heater needed) |
School Size | 6 or more |
Diet | Omnivore; variety boosts color |
Behavior | Peaceful, active shoaler |
Breeding | Easy with right conditions |
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