Golden White Cloud Mountain Minnow

Overview

• Scientific Name: Tanichthys albonubes
• Common Names: Golden White Cloud Mountain Minnow, Golden White Cloud
• Family: Cyprinidae
• Origin: Native to the streams and rivers of China, specifically in the mountainous regions of Guangdong province.

Physical Description

• Coloration: The Golden White Cloud features a golden-yellow body, which is a striking variation of the standard white cloud mountain minnow. Their body can appear iridescent under certain lighting conditions.
• Size: Adults typically reach about 1.5 to 2 inches (4 to 5 cm) in length.
• Fins: They have small dorsal and anal fins, which can also exhibit a light yellow or transparent hue.

Behavior

• Temperament: Golden White Clouds are peaceful and friendly fish, making them ideal for community tanks.
• Activity Level: They are active swimmers and prefer to be in groups, exhibiting schooling behavior. Keeping them in groups of at least five is recommended for their well-being.

Habitat

• Natural Habitat: In the wild, Golden White Clouds inhabit cool, flowing waters of streams and rivers, often in rocky or vegetated areas.
• Aquarium Setup: A well-planted tank with plenty of swimming space and gentle water flow is ideal. Use smooth rocks and plants to replicate their natural environment. A minimum tank size of 10 gallons (38 liters) is recommended.

Diet

• Feeding: Golden White Clouds are omnivorous and will accept a variety of foods, including:
  • High-quality flakes or pellets
  • Freeze-dried or frozen foods like brine shrimp and daphnia
  • Vegetables such as blanched peas or spinach
• Feeding Frequency: They should be fed once or twice a day, providing only as much food as they can consume within a few minutes to prevent overfeeding.

Breeding

• Breeding Type: Golden White Clouds are egg scatterers, meaning they do not exhibit parental care after spawning.
• Breeding Conditions: To encourage breeding, provide a separate breeding tank with fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. The female will scatter eggs among the plants, which will hatch in about 3 to 5 days.
• Fry Care: Once the fry are free-swimming, they can be fed infusoria or finely crushed flakes.

Care Requirements

• Tank Size: A minimum of 10 gallons is recommended, with larger tanks providing better water quality and space for swimming.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 64°F to 72°F (18°C to 22°C)
  • pH Level: 6.0 to 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
  • Hardness: 5 to 20 dGH
• Filtration: Use a gentle filter to maintain water quality, and perform regular water changes (about 25% weekly) to keep the environment healthy.

Compatibility

• Tank Mates: Golden White Clouds are compatible with a variety of peaceful community fish, including:
  • Tetras
  • Rasboras
  • Guppies
  • Corydoras
• Behavior with Others: Due to their peaceful nature, they can coexist well with other non-aggressive species. Avoid keeping them with larger or aggressive fish that may bully them.

Lifespan

• Lifespan: With proper care, Golden White Clouds can live for about 3 to 5 years in captivity.

Interesting Facts

• Golden White Clouds are known for their hardiness and adaptability, making them suitable for both beginners and experienced aquarists.
• Their vibrant coloration and lively behavior make them a delightful addition to any community tank.