Product Details

White Cloud Mountain Minnow – Tanichthys albonubes

The White Cloud Mountain Minnow is a hardy, peaceful temperate fish with a bright lateral stripe, red tail markings and lively group behaviour. Tanichthys albonubes is often recommended for cooler planted aquariums and unheated indoor setups, provided the room temperature remains stable. It is small and easy to feed, but it should still be kept in a proper group with clean, well-oxygenated water and enough swimming space.

Key Identification:

Common Name: White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Other Names: White Cloud Minnow, White Cloud, Canton Danio, Chinese Danio, White Cloud Mountain Fish
Scientific Name: Tanichthys albonubes
Fish Type: Mountain Minnow / Cypriniform Fish
Water Type: Freshwater

Natural Range & Habitat:

Tanichthys albonubes is native to southern China and nearby regions, where it has historically been associated with cool, clean, vegetated streams and coastal drainage habitats. Natural waters are typically plant-rich, well oxygenated and cooler than standard tropical community aquariums.

In the aquarium, White Clouds do best in mature planted setups with open swimming room, gentle to moderate flow, shaded areas and good oxygenation. Smooth stones, wood, fine plants and floating cover can all be used, but the tank should still include open midwater space for the group.

Appearance & Adult Size:

White Cloud Mountain Minnows have a slim, streamlined body with a pale gold, bronze or olive base colour. A bright pale or iridescent lateral stripe runs along the body, often bordered by darker colour, and the tail usually shows red markings with a darker central patch. Mature males are usually slimmer and brighter, while females are fuller-bodied and softer in colour.

Adults usually reach around 3–4 cm, with FishBase listing a maximum size of around 4 cm TL. Colour can vary with age, sex, diet, strain and aquarium conditions.

Aquarium Suitability:

This is an excellent fish for mature temperate aquariums, cooler planted community tanks and peaceful small-fish displays. It is especially useful for aquarists who want an attractive shoaling fish that does not require high tropical temperatures.

White Cloud Mountain Minnows are not suitable for hot discus-style aquariums, aggressive cichlid tanks, predator communities, tiny unfiltered tanks or long-term housing with large goldfish that may swallow them. They should not be kept in overheated aquariums, as prolonged warmth can shorten their lifespan.

Recommended Aquarium Size:

A practical minimum is 60 litres for a group, with a tank length of at least 60 cm recommended. Larger aquariums of 75–90 litres or more are better for bigger shoals and mixed temperate communities.

Keep in a group of at least 6, with 8–10 or more preferred. Larger groups are more confident, show better colour and display more natural movement.

Water Conditions:

Temperature: 16–22°C
pH: 6.0–8.0
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
Additional Notes: White Clouds are cooler-water fish and are best kept below typical tropical temperatures for long-term care. They can tolerate a wider range if acclimatised, but stable, clean and well-oxygenated water is more important than chasing extremes. Avoid prolonged high temperatures, poor oxygenation and sudden changes in water chemistry.

Temperament & Tank Mates:

Aquarium Category: Community Fish

White Cloud Mountain Minnows are peaceful, active community fish. Suitable tank mates include other temperate or cooler-water community fish such as small danios, Rosy Barbs in compatible setups, Hillstream Loaches, Peppered Corys, Barbatus Corys, weather-tolerant livebearers in suitable water, and other calm fish that enjoy cooler, well-oxygenated conditions.

Avoid large goldfish, predatory fish, aggressive cichlids, fin-nippers, very warm-water species and slow delicate fish that may be stressed by their activity. White Clouds should not be kept singly or in pairs, as they are social fish that behave best in a group.

Feeding:

White Cloud Mountain Minnows are easy-feeding omnivores. Offer quality fine flakes, micro pellets or small granules as the staple diet. Supplement with frozen or live foods such as daphnia, cyclops, brineshrimp, mosquito larvae and finely chopped bloodworm.

A varied diet helps maintain colour, breeding condition and natural activity. Feed small amounts that are eaten quickly, as they are active midwater and upper-water feeders.

Behaviour in the Aquarium:

This species usually swims in the middle and upper levels of the aquarium, moving actively in a loose group. Males may display to females and rival males, showing brighter colour and extended fin posture when settled. In a planted temperate aquarium, White Clouds are active, visible and peaceful.

White Cloud Mountain Minnows are egg scatterers and do not provide parental care. Spawning may occur among fine-leaved plants, moss or spawning mops. In a well-planted aquarium, occasional fry may survive if adults and tank mates do not eat all eggs or young.

Care Notes:

Add White Cloud Mountain Minnows only to a mature, fully cycled aquarium. Provide clean water, open swimming space and good oxygenation. They are hardy, but they should not be used to cycle new tanks or kept long term in hot tropical conditions.

A secure lid is recommended, as active minnows can jump if startled. Gold, longfin and other captive-bred forms may be available, but this listing is for the standard White Cloud Mountain Minnow unless stated otherwise.

Recommended For:

Beginner to intermediate

Availability:

Common / Usually captive-bred or farmed

Image Disclaimer:

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Natural variation in size, body colour, stripe intensity, fin colour and markings can occur between individual fish.