The white cloud mountain minnow is an ideal choice for those new to aquarium husbandry. These small and active fish are not only attractive but also very easy to care for. Their hardy nature and adaptable requirements make them perfect for beginners looking to establish a thriving aquarium.
Contents
habitat in the wild
The white cloud mountain minnow, known scientifically as Tanichthys albonubes, belongs to the family Cyprinidae, commonly referred to as the “minnow” family. This large family includes a variety of small to medium-sized fish, such as goldfish, rosy barbs, and danios. Renowned for their lively and hardy nature, white cloud mountain minnows are a popular choice among aquarists.
This species was first discovered at White Cloud Mountain (Baiyun Mountain) in Guangdong Province, China, just north of central Guangzhou. The name “albonubes,” derived from the Latin words for “white clouds,” reflects its original habitat in the Pearl River delta area. Unfortunately, the white cloud mountain minnow is now extinct in its native environment. The area, known for its three peaks, has become a tourist destination filled with hotels, highways, and public parks.
Following its discovery, the species was extensively captured for the aquarium trade, leading to its extinction in the wild. From 1980 to 2001, it was believed to be completely extinct until a small population was found near its typical habitat on Hainan Island.
The Ministry of Environmental Protection of China recognizes the white cloud mountain minnow as a threatened species and has classified it as endangered, placing it on the list of second-class protected animals in the country. This highlights the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect this species and its remaining habitats.
Description
Size
The white cloud mountain minnow is a small fish species, typically reaching a length of 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5 to 3.8 cm). This modest size makes them ideal for smaller aquariums and community tanks. Aquarists appreciate them for their peaceful temperament and attractive appearance, characterized by a distinctive black lateral line against a shimmering silver background. Their compatibility with various tank mates further enhances their popularity among fish keepers.
Lifespan
The average lifespan of a white cloud mountain minnow is around 3 to 5 years in a well-maintained aquarium. To maximize their lifespan, it’s essential to provide appropriate water conditions, a balanced diet, and a stress-free environment.
Coloring
The white cloud mountain minnow has a rather understated coloration. Its back features a yellowish-brown hue, while a striking silver-blue and golden stripe runs from its eyes to the tail, becoming more pronounced in juveniles. The back appears greenish, and the abdomen is white. The fins are lemon-yellow, with the dorsal, anal, and abdominal fins, as well as the middle part of the fluke, showcasing a vibrant red.
The dorsal and fluke display two main colors: lemon-yellow and bright red. In a densely planted tank with dark substrate, these fish can develop a unique purple hue. A school of white cloud mountain minnows, consisting of individuals of various ages, creates a particularly stunning display. The contrast between the intense silver-blue of the juveniles and the ruby-red of the adults captivates any observer. Additionally, long-finned varieties of this species are often found in private aquariums, adding to their visual appeal.
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Tanichthys albonubes |
| Common Name | White Cloud Mountain Minnow |
| Family | Cyprinidae (Minnows and Carps) |
| Origin | White Cloud Mountain region, Guangdong Province, China |
| Size | Up to 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) |
| Lifespan | 3-5 years |
| Color | Silver with a distinctive black lateral line |
| Aquarium Size | Small, 10 gallons or larger |
| Water Temperature | 64-72°F (18-22°C) |
| Water pH | Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.5) |
| Diet | Omnivorous, eats flakes, pellets, live, and frozen food |
| Behavior | Peaceful, suitable for community tanks |
| Breeding | Egg-scattering, separate adults from eggs |
| Conservation Status | Not considered extinct |
Difficulties in keeping
The white cloud mountain minnow is an excellent choice for beginners due to its straightforward care requirements, peaceful temperament, and attractive appearance. Its small size and compatibility with a variety of other fish make it an ideal addition to community tanks, making it a perfect option for those new to aquarium keeping.
Care and keeping in a tank
Tank size
For a small group of white cloud mountain minnows, a tank size of at least 10 gallons (approximately 38 liters) is recommended. This provides enough swimming space and helps maintain a stable environment. Larger tanks are even better, allowing for more exploration and a healthier ecosystem.
When determining tank size, consider the number of fish you plan to keep. Overcrowding can lead to stress and health issues, so it’s important to aim for a reasonable stocking density. Ensure you have appropriate filtration, perform regular water changes, and maintain the tank properly to create a thriving habitat for your white cloud mountain minnows.
Water parameters
Water Temperature: Aim for a range of 64-72°F (18-22°C). These fish can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures, making them suitable for unheated aquariums. In their natural habitat, temperatures can vary significantly; they can drop to 57°F (14°C) in winter and rise to 78.8°F (26°C) in summer. Maintaining a temperature between 64-72°F is ideal for aquarium care.
pH Level: A slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0-7.5 is preferred. While they can tolerate moderate variations, it’s best to avoid extremes.
Water Hardness (dGH): They adapt well to a hardness range of 5-20 dGH.
Ammonia and Nitrite: Keep both at zero, as these substances are toxic and can cause serious health issues.
Nitrate: Maintain nitrate levels below 20-40 ppm. Regular water changes are key to managing nitrate accumulation.
Aquarium Size: While white cloud mountain minnows can thrive in small tanks, a 10-gallon (38-liter) tank or larger is recommended for a small group.
Filtration: Adequate filtration is crucial for maintaining water quality. A gentle filter is preferable, as these fish are not strong swimmers and prefer calmer waters.
Regularly monitor these parameters, especially when establishing a new tank, to ensure a healthy environment for your minnows.
Decor
While white cloud mountain minnows are not particularly demanding regarding tank decorations, their colors are enhanced in a planted aquarium with a dark substrate. A fine-grained substrate, such as sand or gravel, is ideal, allowing them to sift through it for food while mimicking their natural environment.
Adding floating plants, tree branches, roots, and leaves can help recreate their natural habitat. Natural driftwood not only enhances the aquarium’s aesthetic but also provides hiding places for the minnows. Some fish even graze on the microorganisms that develop on driftwood.
Diet
White cloud mountain minnows thrive on a varied diet, which is crucial for their health and vibrant coloration. These omnivorous fish are micropredators in their natural habitat, feeding on small insects, worms, crustaceans, and various zooplankton. In an aquarium setting, providing a diverse diet not only supports their growth but also enhances their natural beauty.
A staple diet should consist of high-quality flakes specifically formulated for omnivorous fish. Additionally, specialized pellets designed for small tropical fish can offer balanced nutrition. Supplementing their diet with live or frozen options, such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms, can provide essential nutrients and replicate their natural feeding habits.
To keep your minnows healthy and vibrant, it’s important to maintain a balanced diet while avoiding overfeeding. This approach ensures they remain active and lively, contributing to a thriving aquarium environment.
Tank mates
It is very peaceful and therefore it is an ideal fish for community tank. White cloud minnow tank mates may be the following species: black skirt tetra, glowlight tetra, betta fish, dwarf gourami, harlequin rasbora.
White cloud minnow are not good tank mates for goldfishes, despite the fact that quite often they are recommended as the fish tank mates. In the wild is a schooling species, that’s why you should buy 8-10 species at once.
Large number of the fish in the school will both decrease stress level of each fish and make observing the fish in the tank more spectaculous. We should mention that male shows its best coloring in a company of the female and rivals.
Here are some suitable tank mates for White Cloud Minnows:
- Harlequin Rasboras (Trigonostigma heteromorpha)
- Neon Tetras (Paracheirodon innesi)
- Ember Tetras (Hyphessobrycon amandae)
- Glowlight Tetras (Hemigrammus erythrozonus)
- Black Neon Tetras (Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi)
- Cardinal Tetras (Paracheirodon axelrodi)
- Rummy Nose Tetras (Hemigrammus rhodostomus)
- Dwarf Gouramis (Trichogaster lalius or Trichogaster chuna)
- Sparkling Gouramis (Trichopsis pumila)
- Celestial Pearl Danios (Danio margaritatus)
- Dwarf Rasboras (Boraras spp.)
- Endler’s Livebearers (Poecilia wingei)
- Guppies (Poecilia reticulata)
- Platies (Xiphophorus spp.)
- Corydoras Catfish (Corydoras spp. – pygmy cory, panda cory, adolfoi catfish)
- Otocinclus Catfish (Otocinclus spp.)
- Bristlenose Plecos (Ancistrus spp.)
Gender differences: male vs female
Determining the sex of white cloud mountain minnows can be quite challenging, as there are subtle differences between males and females that require careful observation. Understanding these distinctions can help aquarists when selecting fish for breeding or community tanks.
Males typically have a slimmer, more streamlined body shape, particularly during the breeding season when their colors become more vivid. In contrast, females often appear rounder, especially when they are carrying eggs.
During breeding, males may display brighter and more vibrant colors, particularly in their fins. While this difference can be noticeable, it’s not always easy to identify at first glance. Some hobbyists suggest that males also have slightly longer dorsal and anal fins, but this can vary.
When females are ready to lay eggs, they may exhibit a distinct “gravid spot” near their rear vent, which becomes darker and more prominent.
In terms of behavior, males engage in courtship displays, such as chasing females and showcasing their vibrant colors. However, these behaviors are temporary and may not always be observed.
Breeding
These fish are relatively easy to breed in a well-maintained setup. Here’s a straightforward overview of the breeding process:
- Set Up a Separate Breeding Tank: Create a breeding tank smaller than your main aquarium, equipped with fine-leaved plants like Java moss or spawning mops. Gentle filtration is essential to keep the water clean, and a heater will help maintain a stable temperature. Cover the tank surface with small-leaved plants or those with developed root systems, as these will encourage the growth of microorganisms that serve as food for the juveniles.
- Condition the Fish: For a couple of weeks before breeding, feed the adult minnows high-quality, protein-rich foods such as live or frozen daphnia, brine shrimp, and quality flake foods. This will help condition them for breeding.
- Introduce Males and Females: Place a few females in the breeding tank, ideally more females than males, as the males are typically more colorful and have elongated fins.
- Courtship and Spawning: White cloud mountain minnows are egg scatterers and do not have a complex mating ritual. Males may engage in chasing and displaying to impress the females. When ready, the females will release adhesive eggs among the plants or spawning materials, laying about 5-10 eggs at a time over 3-4 weeks.
- Remove Adult Fish: After spawning, it’s crucial to remove the adult fish from the breeding tank to prevent them from eating the eggs. You can return them to the main aquarium once spawning is complete.
- Egg Incubation: The eggs will hatch within a few days, depending on water temperature. The newly hatched fry will initially feed on their yolk sacs. After this period, you can start offering them very fine foods like liquid fry food, infusoria, or specially formulated commercial fry foods.
- Gradual Growth: Once the juveniles are in the tank, you can begin providing food such as rotifers and infusoria. As they grow, gradually introduce larger foods like baby brine shrimp and crushed flakes.
- Maintain Water Quality: Regular water changes and stable water parameters are essential for the health and growth of the fry. Keeping water quality high will help ensure their success.