White Cloud Mountain Minnow
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
A classic aquarium species, White Cloud is ultra-hardy and easy to breed. Egg-filled ripe female shown. JJPhoto.dk
[edit] Overview
Originally known as the “Poor Man’s Neon Tetra,” as it was inexpensive and had a similar shape and nice colors. The White Cloud Mountain Minnow has an almost reddish-brown body, with a thin silver-green to gold longitudinal line in the middle that runs the length of the body. The tail fin has a bright-red splash of color. There are many commercially developed varieties.
Family: Cyprinidae
Other common name(s):
- White Cloud
- Meteor Minnow
Native range:
Habitat: It is found among the vegetation of clear mountain streams in the wild, and prefers an aquarium densely planted on the sides and back, with lots of room in the center for swimming and a dark gravel substrate. Provide a layer of floating plants.
Maximum length: 4 cm (2 in)
Minimum aquarium size: 38 L (10 gal)
Water: Freshwater 20 °C (293 K, 68 °F) - 24 °C (297 K, 75 °F)
General swimming level: Everywhere, often near surface.
[edit] Feeding
Omnivore. Will accept just about any fine-grade commercial fare, including flakes and pellets, but eagerly consumes small frozen and live foods, such as brine shrimp and Daphnia.
[edit] Aquarium Compatibility
The White Cloud Mountain Minnow is an active schooling species best kept in groups of at least three, or it may become timid and hide out in the corners of the tank. Provide other peaceful, mild-mannered tankmates of similar size.
[edit] Special Care
Although they will adapt to typical tropical aquarium temperatures, they exhibit best coloration in temperatures of 74°F (23.5°C) or less. Can be kept in tanks with no heat, or in outdoor ponds in warmer weather.
[edit] Breeding/Propagation
This is a typical egg scatterer that spawns readily.
| Common name | White Cloud Mountain Minnow +, White Cloud +, and Meteor Minnow + |
| Family | Cyprinidae + |
| Genus | Tanichthys + |
| Image credit | JJ + |
| Maximum length | 2 in + |
| Minimum aquarium size | 10 gal + |
| Native range | China +, and Vietnam + |
| Reference | 101 Best Tropical Fishes + |
| Specific name | albonubes + |
| Swimming level | Everywhere, often near surface. + |
| Text credit | KW + |
| Water max temp | 297 K (24 °C, 75 °F) + |
| Water min temp | 293 K (20 °C, 68 °F) + |
| Water type | Freshwater + |