Giant White Cloud Mountain Minnow

Overview

• Scientific Name: Tanichthys albonubes var. "Giant"
• Common Names: Giant White Cloud Mountain Minnow, Giant White Cloud
• Family: Cyprinidae
• Origin: This variety is a domesticated form derived from the original White Cloud Mountain Minnow, which is native to southern China.

Physical Description

• Coloration: Similar to the standard White Cloud, Giant White Clouds have a pale, translucent body, but they may exhibit more pronounced coloration. Males often have brighter hues, especially during breeding.
• Size: They can grow larger than their standard counterparts, typically reaching about 2 to 3 inches (5 to 8 cm) in length.
• Fins: Their fins are generally clear or slightly tinted, and the dorsal fin is more pronounced in males.

Behavior

• Temperament: They are peaceful and sociable fish, making them great for community aquariums.
• Activity Level: They are active swimmers and thrive in groups. Keeping them in schools of five or more is ideal for their well-being.

Habitat

• Natural Habitat: In the wild, Giant White Clouds inhabit cool, flowing waters, typically in streams and rivers with vegetation and rocks.
• Aquarium Setup: A well-planted tank with gentle filtration and open swimming space is recommended. A minimum tank size of 10 gallons (38 liters) is ideal for a small school.

Diet

• Feeding: Giant 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, daphnia, and bloodworms
  • Vegetables such as blanched spinach or peas
• Feeding Frequency: They should be fed once or twice daily, with only as much food as they can consume in a few minutes.

Breeding

• Breeding Type: Similar to standard White Clouds, they are egg scatterers and do not exhibit parental care.
• Breeding Conditions: Providing a separate breeding tank with fine-leaved plants or spawning mops can encourage breeding. Males court females, and the female scatters eggs among the plants.
• Fry Care: The fry should be fed infusoria or finely crushed flakes until they can eat regular foods.

Care Requirements

• Tank Size: A minimum of 10 gallons is recommended, with larger tanks providing better water quality and swimming space.
• 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).

Compatibility

• Tank Mates: They are compatible with various peaceful community fish, including:
  • Tetras
  • Rasboras
  • Guppies
  • Corydoras
• Behavior with Others: Due to their friendly nature, they can coexist well with other non-aggressive species. Avoid keeping them with larger or aggressive fish.

Lifespan

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

Interesting Facts

• Giant White Cloud Mountain Minnows are considered hardy fish, making them suitable for both beginners and experienced aquarists.
• Their ability to thrive in cooler water conditions sets them apart from many tropical fish.