White Cloud Mountain Minnow (Tanichthys albonubes)

Widely considered an excellent beginner aquarium fish, the white cloud mountain minnow is an eye-catching but easy to care for addition to any freshwater aquarium. They’re known for their peaceful nature and beautiful schooling behavior, which has led to them becoming one of my favorite aquarium fish. In this guide, we will cover the care of white cloud mountain minnows, including their proper tank setup and good tankmates, so that you’ll be well equipped to care for these elegant fish.

White cloud mountain minnows are commonly available within the hobby, and typically are one of the more affordable species you’ll find. In general, you should be able to buy white clouds for a few dollars a piece.

These fish originate from Southern China, specifically the waters near White Cloud Mountain. White clouds are a subtropical species, meaning they thrive at cooler temperatures unlike most other aquarium fish.

White Cloud Mountain Minnow Species Overview

White Cloud Mountain Minnow Care

White cloud mountain minnows are known to be relatively hardy and easy to care for as long as you know what to look for. In warmer climates they’re often used in outdoor ponds.

In terms of group size, you’ll want to start with at least 6 fish. Keeping a large school of white clouds will reduce your fish’s stress levels and aggression. There are a few different varieties of white clouds available currently in the aquarium hobby, including golden and longfin varieties.

Unlike many other common aquarium fish, they are not a tropical species and thrive at cooler water temperatures of 62-75°F (16-24°C), meaning you will not need an aquarium heater to care for white cloud mountain minnows.

Feeding

White cloud mountain minnows are omnivores, meaning they’ll happily feed on a wide range of foods. In general, you can look to feed these fish a high quality flake or pellet food most of the time, with frozen or live daphnia, brine shrimp, or blood worms mixed in occasionally.

Minnows have small stomachs, so it’s important not to overfeed. Uneaten food can lead to water quality issues as well. Feed your white cloud minnows only once per day, and only what they can consume in a couple of minutes.

Water Conditions

Keep the water temperature between 62-75°F (16-24°C). White clouds are cold water fish, so avoid exposing them to high temperatures for extended periods and use an aquarium cooling fan if necessary.

Maintain a slightly acidic to neutral pH, ranging between 6.0 and 8.0. These minnows can tolerate a wide range of pH levels, but consistency is crucial. Avoid drastic pH fluctuations. Aim for a hardness level between 5 and 20 dGH (degrees of general hardness).

Breeding

Breeding white cloud mountain minnows in an aquarium can be a rewarding experience, as they are relatively easy to breed compared to many other fish species. White clouds exhibit slight sexual dimorphism, meaning that during the breeding season females may appear plumper, especially when carrying eggs, and males may develop more intense coloration.

To successfully breed white clouds, here’s what I would recommend:

Set up a separate breeding tank to provide a controlled environment. Use a tank with gentle filtration, fine-leaved plants (such as Java moss or spawning mops) for egg laying, and a substrate of marbles or mesh to prevent adult fish from consuming the eggs. Maintain a slightly cooler temperature, around 64°F (18°C), to simulate their natural breeding conditions and provide a natural day-night cycle with subdued lighting.

Condition the breeding pair with a high-quality and varied diet, including live and frozen foods. This helps prepare them for the breeding process. The female will scatter adhesive eggs among the plants or on spawning substrates. The male will fertilize the eggs, and the process may be repeated several times. Remove the adults once spawning is complete to prevent them from consuming the eggs. The eggs will hatch in about 48 to 72 hours, depending on the temperature.

The fry will initially hang from the plants or substrate, and they will absorb their yolk sacs. Once the fry have absorbed their yolk sacs, offer them infusoria, finely crushed flakes, or commercially available fry food. As they grow, you can gradually introduce brine shrimp or micro worms. Perform regular water changes to maintain water quality. Ensure that the tank is well-aerated and free of any potential threats to the fry.

Tank Setup for White Cloud Mountain Minnows

White cloud mountain minnows require at least a 10 gallon tank, but bigger is always better and will give the school room to grow.

I’d recommend setting your tank up with plenty of aquatic plants. Hardy plants such as anubias and aquatic moss work well with white clouds, especially if you’re just starting out in the hobby and don’t want to splurge on an expensive high-tech setup. These elements provide hiding places and create a more natural environment.

While white clouds can tolerate a range of lighting conditions, avoid exposing them to excessive light. Provide a natural day-night cycle to mimic their habitat, somewhere between 8-12 hours a day of light.

White Cloud Tankmates

As a subtropical species, you’ll want to pair white cloud mountain minnows with other tankmates that will also do well within the same temperature range. Some subtropical fish species that can be paired with white clouds are ricefish, red shiners, and rosy bitterlings. I’d avoid pairing them with any substantially larger or aggressive species however.

You can also look to pair your white clouds with some invertebrate tankmates, such as snails or shrimp. Some good options include ramshorn snails, neocaridina shrimp, or amano shrimp. These creatures will also aid in breaking down waste and keeping your tank clean.

White Cloud Care Summary

The white cloud mountain minnow stands out as an excellent choice for beginner aquarium enthusiasts, offering both aesthetic appeal and ease of care. These subtropical fish have become popular due to their peaceful nature and captivating schooling behavior.

In this guide, we’ve covered various aspects of caring for white cloud mountain minnows, from their species overview to tank setup, feeding, water conditions, and even breeding. With proper care and attention to their specific needs, white cloud mountain minnows can thrive, making them an ideal choice for both beginners and experienced aquarists alike.