The White Cloud Mountain Minnow (Tanichthys albonubes) is a small, peaceful freshwater fish that’s perfect for aquarists of all experience levels. Native to the cool, fast-flowing streams of White Cloud Mountain in China, these minnows have gained a loyal following for their hardiness, brilliant coloration, and compatibility with coldwater aquariums. Whether you're building a community tank or a nano aquascape, White Cloud Minnows are a fantastic choice. Their slender bodies shimmer with a metallic silver-gold hue, accented by a glowing horizontal blue stripe and red-tipped fins. They are also available in Golden and Longfin “Meteor” varieties, adding even more visual appeal to your tank. At Splashy Fish tropical fish store, our White Cloud Mountain Minnow fish for sale are tank-breed, grown, and sold with love and care. Visit our fish store online or aquarium in Virginia for more high-quality freshwater fish for sale. We have a lot more fish available such as betta fish for sale, aquatic plants for sale, freshwater shrimp for sale, freshwater snails for sale, and other aquarium supplies. WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM THIS FISH: Coldwater Compatibility: No heater required! They thrive in room-temperature aquariums (60–72°F). Beginner-Friendly: Extremely hardy and easy to care for—ideal for new fishkeepers. Active Schooling Behavior: These fish are most comfortable and visually stunning in groups of 6 or more. Peaceful Temperament: Safe with other small, non-aggressive fish, shrimp, and snails. Nano Tank Friendly: Perfect for smaller tanks as long as they’re well-maintained. RECOMMENDED TANK PARAMETERS: Tank Size: 10 gallons minimum (larger for full schools) Temperature: 60–72°F (15–22°C) pH Range: 6.0 – 8.0 Hardness: 5 – 19 dGH Filtration: Sponge or gentle HOB filter Lighting: Moderate lighting enhances their colors CARE GUIDELINES: Diet: Although omnivorous, White Cloud Mountain Minnows thrive on a protein-rich diet. They readily accept high-quality flakes, micro pellets, and a variety of live, frozen, or freeze-dried foods, including brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, and finely chopped Tubifex. Feeding habits: These fish have small mouths, so crushing or choosing fine-sized food is important to ensure easy consumption. Feeding small amounts 1–2 times a day helps maintain their vibrant coloration and health. Social behavior: Peaceful, highly active, and naturally schooling. They are best kept in groups of 6 or more to promote social interaction and reduce stress. Origin: White Cloud Mountain, Guangdong, China Average adult size: 1.2 – 1.5 inches (3 – 4 cm) White Cloud Mountain Minnow Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) How many White Cloud Minnows should I keep? They are a schooling species, which means they naturally group together for safety and comfort. Keeping them in a group of 6 or more: Reduces stress and boosts their immune system Encourages natural, synchronized swimming behavior Enhances their color and activity levels Helps establish a social hierarchy, making them feel secure For larger tanks, even bigger schools (10–15+) create a more impressive and natural display. Always ensure your tank size can accommodate the full group—a 10-gallon tank is the minimum for 6, but a 20-gallon or larger is recommended for bigger schools. What do White Cloud Mountain Minnows eat? Flake Food: High-quality tropical flakes suitable for small fish Micro Pellets: Especially formulated for small-mouthed fish Frozen & Live Foods: Brine shrimp, Daphnia, Bloodworms (finely chopped), Tubifex worms Freeze-Dried Foods: Bloodworms, daphnia, or brine shrimp as treats Blanched Vegetables: Occasionally, they’ll nibble on tiny bits of spinach or zucchini Algae & Biofilm: They may graze on natural micro growths in the tank Do White Cloud Mountain Minnows need a heater? No, White Cloud Mountain Minnows do not need a heater in most home aquariums. They are a coldwater fish species that naturally thrive in cooler temperatures between 60°F and 72°F (15°C to 22°C). In fact, consistently warm water can shorten their lifespan and cause stress. When You Might Need a Heater: The room drops below 60°F regularly You're housing them with tropical fish that require warmer temperatures { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [{ "@type": "Question", "name": "How many White Cloud Minnows should I keep?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "They are a schooling species, which means they naturally group together for safety and comfort. Keeping them in a group of 6 or more: Reduces stress and boosts their immune system Encourages natural, synchronized swimming behavior Enhances their color and activity levels Helps establish a social hierarchy, making them feel secure For larger tanks, even bigger schools (10–15+) create a more impressive and natural display. 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They are a coldwater fish species that naturally thrive in cooler temperatures between 60°F and 72°F (15°C to 22°C). In fact, consistently warm water can shorten their lifespan and cause stress. When You Might Need a Heater: The room drops below 60°F regularly You're housing them with tropical fish that require warmer temperatures" } }] }
