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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.


🐟 Overview

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

🌈 Appearance

  • 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


🧬 Varieties

  1. Standard/Wild-Type – Classic coloration

  2. Golden White Cloud – Light gold/yellow body

  3. Long-Fin White Cloud – Extended fins, elegant swimmers

  4. Meteor Minnow – Redder body with long flowing fins (rare)


🏡 Tank Requirements

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.


🍽️ Diet

  • 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.


🤝 Tankmates

  • 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


🧬 Behavior & Temperament

  • 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


❤️ Health & Lifespan

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

  • 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

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

🧠 Fun Facts

  • 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


📌 Quick Summary

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


We process orders on all weekdays (Monday to Saturday), excluding public holidays.

To avail free shipping, purchase amount should be Rs350/-(for Aquarium Accessories and Aquatic Plants) or more, less than the above amount shipping charges applicable Rs70/- only. For live fish delivery charges applicable at the time of checkout.

Orders are normally Shipped within 1-2 days and usually take 2-5 working days to be delivered based on your location. However, you will receive an approximate timeline when you place your order.

To ensure that your order reaches you quickly and in good condition, we only ship through reputed courier agencies.

Let us know abour your query!