White Cloud Mountain Minnow (Tanichthys albonubes) – ~4 cm

🌿 Description

The White Cloud Mountain Minnow is a small, peaceful freshwater fish native to the cool, clear streams of southern China. It features a translucent body with a prominent white stripe running along its side and red-tipped fins. This species is known for its hardiness and is often recommended for beginner aquarists. Due to habitat loss, it is considered endangered in the wild, but all aquarium specimens are now captive

🐟 Care Instructions

Tank Setup:

• Size: Minimum 38 L (~10 gallons) for a small group; larger tanks provide more swimming space and allow for better group behavior.

• Substrate: Fine gravel or smooth sand.

• Decor: Live plants like dwarf rotala and water sprite, rocks, and driftwood to mimic their natural habitat.

Water Conditions:

• Temperature: 18–25 °C (65–77 °F); they can tolerate cooler temperatures and are ideal for unheated aquariums.

• pH: 6.5–8.5.

• Hardness: 5–19 dGH.Flow: Gentle to moderate; avoid strong currents as they are not strong swimmers.

Diet:

• Omnivorous: Accepts high-quality flake food, micro pellets, and live or frozen foods like daphnia, brine shrimp, and bloodworms.

• Feeding Frequency: Feed small amounts 1–2 times daily.

Behavior & Tankmates:

• Social: Best kept in groups of 6 or more; larger schools are ideal.

• Temperament: Peaceful and active; compatible with other small, peaceful species.

• Tankmates: Avoid aggressive or fin-nipping species.

Breeding:

• Spawning: Egg scatterers; no parental care.

• Setup: Provide dense planting or spawning mops for egg deposition.

• Fry Care: Remove adults after spawning to prevent egg predation.