White Cloud

Overview

• Scientific Name: Tanichthys albonubes
• Common Names: White Cloud Mountain Minnow, White Cloud
• Family: Cyprinidae
• Origin: Native to the cool, flowing streams of southern China, particularly in the White Cloud Mountains region.

Physical Description

• Coloration: White Cloud Mountain Minnows have a pale, translucent body with a distinct white or silver sheen. Males typically exhibit a more vibrant coloration, especially during breeding season.
• Size: They generally reach about 1.5 to 2 inches (4 to 5 cm) in length.
• Fins: Their dorsal fin is positioned further back on the body and may show some coloration, while their other fins are usually clear or slightly tinted.

Behavior

• Temperament: These fish are peaceful and social, making them suitable for community tanks.
• Activity Level: They are active swimmers and should be kept in schools of at least five or more to encourage natural schooling behavior.

Habitat

• Natural Habitat: White Clouds thrive in cool, flowing waters with plenty of vegetation and rocks, which provide shelter and foraging opportunities.
• Aquarium Setup: A well-planted tank with gentle filtration and open swimming space is ideal. A minimum tank size of 10 gallons (38 liters) is recommended for a small school.

Diet

• Feeding: White Cloud Mountain Minnows 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 a day, providing only as much food as they can consume within a few minutes.

Breeding

• Breeding Type: White Cloud Mountain Minnows 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. Males will court females, and the female will scatter eggs among the plants.
• Fry Care: After hatching, the fry can be fed infusoria or finely crushed flakes until they are large enough to consume regular foods.

Care Requirements

• Tank Size: A minimum of 10 gallons is recommended for a small school, 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: White Cloud Mountain Minnows 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, White Cloud Mountain Minnows can live for about 3 to 5 years in captivity.

Interesting Facts

• White Cloud Mountain Minnows are considered hardy fish, making them suitable for beginners and experienced aquarists alike.
• They can tolerate a range of water conditions, including cooler temperatures, which is not common among many tropical fish.