White cloud mountain minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
The white cloud mountain minnow (Tanichthys albonubes) is a small, peaceful shoaling fish from southern China and northeastern Vietnam. Its key requirement is cool water: Seriously Fish recommends 14–22 °C and warns that permanent warmth may shorten its lifespan. Keep a group of at least ten in an aquarium with a minimum 60 × 30 cm base. Dense plants provide shelter, but leave open swimming space too. Choose companions that also tolerate cool water; a standard warm tropical community aquarium is not automatically suitable.
Plan your aquarium →At a glance
- Temperature
- 14–22 °C
- pH
- 6.0–8.5
- GH
- 5–20 °dGH
- Aquarium length
- At least 60 cm
- Minimum aquarium volume
- At least 54 L
- Adult size
- Up to 4 cm
- Group size
- At least 10 individuals
- Temperament
- Peaceful
About this species
The accepted name is Tanichthys albonubes Lin, 1932. Aphyocypris pooni is treated as a junior synonym. Do not confuse this fish with other Tanichthys species. Golden, albino and long-finned strains are available and share the same basic care needs.Natural habitat
The species is known from Guangdong and Hainan in southern China and northeastern Vietnam. The original White Cloud Mountain locality appears to have lost its population, and Chinese authorities consider the species endangered. Other habitat reports describe clear, shallow, slow spring-fed streams with aquatic plants, sand, pebbles and leaf litter.Aquarium and layout
Seriously Fish recommends a minimum 60 × 30 cm base and gives an approximate volume of 54 litres. Use plants, floating cover, wood and leaf litter for shelter while keeping open swimming space. Moderate movement is suitable; a very strong current is unnecessary. An unheated aquarium can work if its temperature remains within the recommended range.Water conditions
Use the Seriously Fish ranges of 14–22 °C, pH 6.0–8.5 and GH 5–20 dGH. FishBase lists narrower temperature and chemistry figures; the specialist care profile emphasizes seasonal cool conditions and avoiding permanent warmth. A broad tolerance does not make rapid changes safe.Behaviour and group size
This minnow is very peaceful and should be kept in a shoal of ten or more. Choose companions that also tolerate cool conditions and are neither large nor aggressive. Despite common retail advice, white clouds are not suitable goldfish companions: temperature, size and feeding competition can cause problems. Also consider activity and available swimming length.Feeding
Stomach analyses found small insects, worms, crustaceans and other zooplankton. Offer small flakes or granules as a complete staple, preferably including some plant or algal content. Regularly supplement with small portions of Daphnia, Artemia or bloodworm. Ensure less dominant fish get food and remove uneaten excess.Breeding
This species scatters eggs and provides no parental care. A healthy group may produce small numbers of fry in a mature, densely planted aquarium or outdoor container. For controlled spawning, use fine-leaved plants, moss, a spawning mop or an egg barrier; remove adults within two to three days because they may eat eggs. Eggs usually hatch in about 48–60 hours. Newly free-swimming fry need very fine first foods.Suitable products
Recommended staple foods
Tropical Supervit Basic 100ml
Small complete flake food as a daily staple for this small omnivore; offer portions the shoal eats promptly.
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Tropical Dafnia 100ml
Daphnia for small supplementary variety alongside complete staple food.
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Sources & review
This care guide draws on several specialist sources and was last checked on .