White Cloud Mountain Minnow (Tanichthys albonubes)
One of our most underrated fish! This gorgeous fish is typically known as a 'feeder fish' for predatorial fish keepers but it is also an 'underdog' when it comes to a community fish tank and complement a planted tank very well. Although this species is almost extinct in its natural cold water habitat in China, the white cloud minnow is usually farm raised for aquariums worldwide.
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
The charming White Cloud Mountain Minnow is a hardy, peaceful schooling fish that’s perfect for beginner and experienced aquarists alike. Native to the cool, clear streams of southern China, this small freshwater species is admired for its shimmering silver-gold body, iridescent blue stripe, and hints of red on its fins.
These active swimmers thrive in groups and add beautiful movement and color to community tanks. They’re also one of the few tropical fish that can tolerate cooler temperatures, making them an excellent choice for unheated aquariums or even outdoor tubs in suitable climates.
Key Features:
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Peaceful, social species – ideal for community tanks
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Vibrant colors with a metallic sheen and red accents
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Does well in cooler water temperatures
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Thrives in groups of six or more
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Low-maintenance and adaptable to a wide range of conditions
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Tank Setup: Freshwater; planted tanks with open swimming space and soft lighting
Diet: Omnivorous – accepts flakes, micro pellets, and frozen/live foods
Origin: Streams of the White Cloud Mountain region, China
The White Cloud Mountain Minnow is a delightful addition to nano tanks, peaceful communities, and temperate aquariums. Their lively schooling behavior and subtle beauty make them a timeless favorite in the hobby.
Max size: 1.5"
Minimum tank size: 10 gallons
**Sold in bundles of 5 fish**
**Individually sold fish only available at our SD storefront**
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Sturdy but they have ich
These guys are highly active and are happy they formed a large school with the cardinal tetras i got at the same time. A few of them started showing signs of ich so I treated that and it's going away but they're not skipping a beat. They're with 2 albino bristlenose plecos and a male betta in a planted tank. I have them with a filter until the tank is fully grown in and even though they normally do cooler water they are happy at 80°. They swim fast and knock into slower fish so I had to move them out of the fancy guppy tank. I think between a flight, holiday shipping & getting bonked by these guys my guppies took a beating stress wise. I wouldn't house these with calmer guppies and even active ones need breaks but these guys like rapid flowing water and shoot across a tank out of nowhere. Might be too much for slower/calmer fish.
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White Cloud Minnows
I ordered a set of 10 White Cloud Mountain Minnows and 7 Penguin Tetras. I had already lost 5 Penguins in my tank from a LFS and had 2 that I was hoping would survive; however, my parameters were just not conducive to keeping these sensitive fish. Petzone was kind enough to change my order to all White Clouds, so instead of 10, I know have 15 swimming happily in my 39 gal with my Betta and my female bushynose pleco.
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Mountain Minnows
Really impressed with the quality and care my fish were packaged with. FedEx delayed my package by 3 days and these guys all showed up alive and in good condition. They are small and require some time to grow, but I think that's part of the excitement. They are already very active and zipping around my tank. Would definitely order again.
