White Cloud Mountain Minnows (Tanichthys albonubes)

White Cloud Mountain Minnows are one of the most underrated fish in the aquarium hobby. Hardy, peaceful, and beautifully active, they make an excellent choice for beginners and experienced aquarists alike. Their shimmering bodies and red-tipped fins add a lively contrast to planted tanks, while their calm schooling behaviour makes them a joy to watch.

Care Requirements:

• Temperature: 18–24°C (can tolerate cooler water, making them ideal for unheated tanks)

• pH: 6.0–8.0

• GH: 5–19 dGH

• TDS: 100–250 ppm

• Tank Size: 40L+ recommended for a small school

Behavior & Compatibility:

• Peaceful schooling fish that thrive in groups of 6 or more.

• Suitable for community tanks with other small, non-aggressive species.

• Their cooler water tolerance makes them excellent companions for shrimp and snails.

Breeding Notes:

White Clouds are easy to breed in captivity. In a well-planted aquarium or with spawning mops, they scatter eggs that hatch within a few days. Parents do not actively hunt fry, but separating adults from eggs will increase survival rates.

Why We Recommend Them:

• Perfect beginner fish due to their hardiness.

• Thrive in a wide range of water conditions.

• Excellent schooling behaviour that adds constant movement and interest to aquascapes.

• A natural partner for shrimp tanks and cooler water setups.