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White Cloud Mountain Minnow

By The Aquarium Calculators Editorial Team ·

Tanichthys albonubes

Complete White Cloud Mountain Minnow care guide covering omnivore diet requirements, peaceful temperament, minimum 10 Gallons tank setup, and compatible freshwater tankmates. Difficulty: Easy.

White Cloud Mountain Minnow

Quick Answer

White Cloud Mountain Minnow (Tanichthys albonubes) is a small, hardy fish from China. It requires a minimum 10 Gallons aquarium with a pH of 6.5 - 7.5 and temperature range of 18-24°C. This omnivore occupies the middle/top zone and makes an excellent addition to community setups.

Intro

White Cloud Mountain Minnow (Tanichthys albonubes) is a small, hardy fish from China. It can tolerate cooler temperatures, making it an excellent choice for unheated aquariums.

Setup

A 10-gallon or larger tank with plenty of swimming space. They appreciate plants and moderate lighting. Can be kept at room temperature (18-24°C) but will tolerate lower.

Feeding

Accepts flakes, micropellets, freeze-dried bloodworms, and brine shrimp. Easy to feed.

Compatibility

Peaceful schooling fish. Keep in groups of 6+. Good tankmates: other coldwater fish like Goldfish (fancy varieties) and Rosy Barbs, or tropical fish at warmer temps.

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Tank Position
Middle/Top
Water Temp
18-24°C
Adult Size
See profile
Water pH
6.5 - 7.5

Species Characteristics

Adult Size
Lifespan
Growth Rate
moderate
Tank Compatibility
Community compatible
Indoor Aquarium
Yes

Water Parameters

Water Temperature
Humidity
Water pH

Tank Lighting

Tank Lighting
Standard lighting
Light Hours
N/A
Intensity
moderate

Feeding & Diet

Diet Type
Diet: Omnivore
Feeding Schedule
N/A
Live Food Options
N/A

Continue Learning

Recommended Tools

Fish Compatibility Calculator fish compatibility

Health & Disease

Ich (White Spot Disease) common disease • all fish

Related Guides

Understanding pH in Aquariums water parameters • ph

Similar Species

African Red Eyed Tetra Care Guide: Schooling & Tank Size semanticSimilarity Apistogramma Care Guide: Temperament & Diet semanticSimilarity Banded Corydoras Care Guide: Substrate & Diet semanticSimilarity

Frequently Asked Questions

How many White Cloud Mountain Minnows should be kept together?
Maintain a minimum school of 6 to 8 individuals in a tank of at least 10 gallons (38 liters) with a footprint of 20x10 inches (50x25 cm). White cloud mountain minnows (Tanichthys albonubes) are shoaling fish that become timid and pale alone. Groups under 5 cause stress. A school of 10+ displays best red fins and golden bodies. Provide cool water, open swimming lanes, and dense plant borders. Tank height should be 10-12 inches (25-30 cm). No heater required; they thrive at room temperature.
What are the exact water parameters for White Cloud Mountain Minnows?
Target pH 6.5 - 7.5, General Hardness 5 - 15 dGH, Carbonate Hardness 4 - 12 dKH, Total Dissolved Solids 120 - 350 ppm, Electrical Conductivity 250 - 700 μS/cm, and temperature 60°F - 72°F (15.5°C - 22°C). No heater required; they thrive at 64-68°F (18-20°C) and can survive down to 50°F (10°C). Maintain nitrates below 20 ppm with weekly 20% water changes. Use a sponge or HOB filter with moderate flow. Provide smooth gravel or sand. Avoid heaters and high temperatures above 75°F (24°C).
What is the dietary and medication protocol for White Cloud Minnows?
They are omnivores requiring 35% protein, 10% fat, 55% plant matter. Feed high-quality flakes, micro-pellets, frozen daphnia, brine shrimp, and bloodworms twice daily. Offer spirulina flakes weekly. Medication alert: Tolerate copper (0.2 mg/L) and formalin. Praziquantel is safe. Salt baths up to 5 ppt treat external parasites. Quarantine with methylene blue for 7 days. They are hardy and rarely get diseases if kept at cool temperatures.
How to breed White Cloud Mountain Minnows in captivity?
Select 8-10 mature fish and condition with live baby brine shrimp for 2 weeks. Set up a 10-gallon (38 liter) breeding tank with 6 inches (15 cm) of water (pH 7.0, dGH 8, 68°F/20°C), a spawning mop, and java moss. Simulate dawn. Spawning occurs in the morning; female releases 100-200 adhesive eggs. Remove parents after 4 hours. Eggs hatch in 48-72 hours at 68°F (20°C). Fry feed on infusoria for 3 days, then microworms, then baby brine shrimp. Keep tank cool; no heater needed. Fry tolerate lower temperatures.

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