White Cloud Mountain Minnow: The Ultimate Care Guide for Beginners and Experts

Facts & Overview

The White Cloud Mountain Minnow (Tanichthys albonubes) is a hardy, peaceful schooling fish ideal for cool-water aquariums. Unlike many tropical fish, White Clouds prefer lower temperatures, often thriving without a heater, which makes them perfect for temperate setups, unheated homes, and outdoor summer tubs.

Originally found in the clear foothill streams of White Cloud Mountain (Mount Baiyun) in Guangdong, China, this species became popular for its adaptability, gentle nature, and shimmering colours. Today, all specimens in the hobby are captive-bred, and several forms exist, including gold, long-fin, and the closely related Vietnamese White Cloud.

White Cloud mountain minnows show their best behaviour in groups of 8–12, where the school displays coordinated swimming, gentle male displays, and rich colouration. Their red-tipped fins and iridescent stripe look especially striking in planted tanks with open mid-water space.

Here’s a quick overview of their key characteristics:

If you’re setting up your first freshwater tank, our beginner aquarium setup guide covers all the essentials.

Appearance

Shape & Colouration

White Cloud Mountain Minnows have a slim, streamlined body built for steady swimming in gentle currents. Their base colour ranges from silver-green to champagne, highlighted by a distinctive iridescent lateral stripe that shifts between blue, green, and gold depending on lighting.

Fins typically show red or orange tips, especially on the caudal and dorsal fins. Males tend to develop stronger colours and a sharper stripe, especially when well conditioned. Selective breeding has produced additional forms such as Gold, Long-Fin, and the closely related Vietnamese White Cloud.

Male vs Female

Sexing White Clouds is subtle but reliable with a trained eye.

Males:

• Slimmer, more streamlined bodies
• Brighter red fin colouration
• More defined lateral stripe
• Display more frequently

Females:

• Slightly fuller belly, especially when carrying eggs
• Softer red colouring
• Stripe may appear thicker but less intense

During breeding season, males intensify their red fins and display frequently, while females become noticeably rounder.

Juvenile vs Adult

Juveniles resemble adults but with paler colours and a less pronounced stripe. Their fins are smaller and more translucent, and they tend to school more tightly due to caution.

As they mature:

• Stripe becomes brighter and continuous
• Red fin accents develop
• Behaviour becomes more confident
• Full colouration appears around 6–8 months

Natural Habitat & Behaviour

Biome

White Cloud Mountain Minnows were originally discovered in the cool, clear foothill streams of Guangdong, China—particularly around Mount Baiyun (White Cloud Mountain). Historically, these streams were:

• Shallow and highly oxygenated
• Moderately shaded by surrounding forest vegetation
• Gently to moderately flowing
• Rich in aquatic plants, leaf litter, and fine debris

Although the species originated in this region, wild populations around Mount Baiyun are now believed to be extinct due to urban development, pollution, and habitat alteration.

Today, White Cloud Mountain Minnows persist through:

Current Distribution

• Reintroduced or remnant populations in parts of Guangdong and Hainan, though often small and unstable
• A closely related form occurring in Vietnam (Tanichthys sp.), sometimes considered a variant or separate species
• A globally thriving captive-bred population, now maintained almost entirely through aquarium trade breeding

Their original habitat conditions still shape their care needs: cool, clean, well-oxygenated water with steady but gentle flow and plenty of vegetation.

Water Movement & Lighting

In the wild, White Cloud Mountain Minnows experience soft to moderate current and diffused light. In aquariums, they thrive in similar conditions:

• Gentle flow from a sponge filter or a small internal filter
• High oxygenation
• Moderate lighting, ideally softened by floating plants

They are not adapted to strong currents or harsh lighting.

Water Chemistry (general tendency)

Native waters tend to be slightly acidic to neutral, soft to moderately hard, and cool. Captive-bred White Clouds tolerate a broad range, but do best with:

• pH: 6.0–8.0
• Temperature: 16–24°C (61–75°F)
• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard

Stability is more important than achieving exact numbers.

Social Structure & Behaviour

White Clouds are true schooling fish. In groups of 8–12+, they display:

• Coordinated mid-water swimming
• Gentle male displays
• Reduced stress and tighter colouration

Males occasionally chase and posture, but aggression is minimal. In small groups, they may become shy or lose colour.

Activity Pattern

White Clouds are diurnal, most active during the daytime. You’ll see:

• Constant mid-water motion
• Light chasing and playful interaction
• Exploration of plants and open swimming zones

At night, they rest among plants or near the substrate.

Tank Requirements

Minimum Tank Size & Stocking

White Cloud Mountain Minnows are small but active schooling fish that need horizontal swimming space. A proper school also reduces stress and improves colouration.

Recommended sizes:

• Minimum: 45 L / 12 gallons
• Ideal: 60–80 L for a full, active group
• School size: 8–12+ fish

Larger groups encourage natural displays and a calmer overall temperament.

Water Parameters

White Clouds adapt well but thrive best in cool, stable conditions.

Optimal range:

• Temperature: 16–24°C (61–75°F)
• pH: 6.0–8.0
• Hardness: Soft to moderate
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: Under 20–30 ppm

They tolerate cooler temperatures than most community fish, but avoid rapid swings.

If you wish to learn more about aquarium water parameters and water quality, check our detailed guide.

Filtration, Flow & Oxygenation

White Clouds appreciate clean, well-oxygenated water with gentle movement. Their native streams are cool and naturally oxygen-rich.

Suitable filtration:

• Sponge filter
• Small internal filter
• Hang-on-back filter with softened flow

Keep the flow moderate — strong currents can exhaust them.

Aquascape & Substrate

A planted, structured layout suits this species well. They enjoy exploring vegetation while still needing open space for mid-water swimming. Furthermore, cold-water aquariums with White Cloud Mountain Minnows benefit from hardy plants such as Java fern, Anubias, Vallisneria, and mosses, which tolerate lower temperatures while providing shelter and visual balance.

Recommended elements:

• Plants along the back and sides
• Open swimming lane in the centre
• Floating plants for shade
• Driftwood or stones for natural scenery

Substrate: Fine gravel or sand both work; darker colours enhance the fish’s natural contrast.

Lighting

White Cloud Mountain Minnows prefer moderate lighting. Strong light can make them skittish unless softened by plants.

Guidelines:

• Medium-intensity LEDs
• Floating plants to reduce brightness
• 8–10 hour light cycle

Moderate lighting enhances their stripe and fin colours without causing stress.

Diet & Feeding

In the Wild

White Cloud Mountain Minnows are micro-predators that feed on tiny drifting prey in cool, slow-to-moderate streams. Their natural diet includes:

• Insect larvae (especially mosquito larvae)
• Tiny crustaceans and zooplankton
• Small worms and micro-invertebrates
• Occasional plant matter and biofilm

This constant grazing behaviour keeps them active and lean. It also explains why they respond so well to small, frequent meals in the aquarium.

In the Aquarium

In captivity, White Clouds accept a wide variety of foods as long as the particle size is small enough for their tiny mouths.

Recommended staples:

• High-quality micro pellets
• Crushed or fine flakes
• Small community granules

Excellent supplements:

• Live or frozen daphnia
• Baby brine shrimp
• Microworms or grindal worms
• Finely chopped frozen foods (sparingly)

A varied diet brings out their best colours and supports regular spawning.

Avoid relying on algae, as they are not algae eaters, though they will graze on biofilm.

Feeding Frequency

Because they are small and active, White Cloud Mountain Minnows benefit from small, frequent feedings rather than large meals.

For adults:

• Feed 1–2 small meals per day
• Only as much as they finish in 1–2 minutes
• An optional weekly fasting day to prevent bloating

For juveniles:

• 2–3 very small meals spaced throughout the day
• Powdered foods, micro worms, or baby brine shrimp

Signs of correct feeding:

• Slightly rounded but not bloated bellies
• Minimal leftover food
• Consistent activity and colour

Breeding Guide

Breeding Type

White Cloud Mountain Minnows are egg-scattering spawners. They release small adhesive eggs among fine plants or spawning mops and provide no parental care. Adults will eat eggs and fry if not separated.

They spawn readily when conditioned and often release eggs daily or every few days in a dedicated setup.

Triggering & Conditioning

White Clouds are easy to condition for breeding. For best results:

Condition with:

• Live or frozen foods (daphnia, baby brine shrimp, microworms)
• Frequent small water changes
• Temperatures around 20–22°C (68–72°F)

Spawning triggers:

• Slight temperature drop (2–3°C)
• Increased feeding
• Fresh plants or new spawning mops
• Early morning light (they often spawn soon after lights-on)

Use a small group (6–10 fish) or a male-to-female ratio of 2:1 for focused breeding.

Setup Options

1. Dedicated Breeding Tank (Best Method)

• 20–30 L (5–8 gallons)
• Bare bottom, mesh bottom, or marbles to protect eggs
• Dense fine-leaved plants or spawning mops
• Sponge filter for gentle flow

2. Colony Breeding (Low Effort)

• Large, heavily planted community tank
• Fry survival depends on plant density
• Works well if you only want occasional fry

3. Outdoor Tubs (Seasonal)

• Excellent for mass spawning
• Natural microfauna boost fry growth
• Very high fry survival in summer conditions

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• Image idea: Breeding tank with spawning mop + sponge filter.
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  “Small breeding setup for White Cloud Mountain Minnows with a sponge filter and spawning mop.”

Gestation & Timeline (Typical)

White Cloud Mountain Minnows have no gestation period — they scatter eggs immediately.

Timeline:

• Eggs hatch in 36–48 hours
• Fry become free-swimming in 3–4 days
• First colouration appears after 3–4 weeks
• Juveniles reach full appearance by 8–12 weeks

Spawning can occur over several days, so fry will often be at different stages of development.

Fry Care Essentials

Newly free-swimming fry are tiny and need very fine foods.

Days 1–5:

• Infusoria
• Green water
• Commercial liquid fry food

After Day 5:

• Baby brine shrimp (best for fast growth)
• Powdered fry food
• Finely crushed flakes

Care tips:

• Maintain a gentle flow and high oxygen
• Keep water clean with tiny, frequent water changes
• Avoid overfeeding — uneaten food quickly fouls small tanks

Ethics & Population Control

White Clouds breed easily, so it’s important to prevent overcrowding.

Best practices:

• Use a separate breeding tank if you want fry
• Allow natural predation in community tanks to limit fry
• Rehome responsibly to local shops or hobbyists
• Never release fish into natural waterways

Responsible breeding prevents overpopulation and maintains healthy lines.

Temperament & Tank Mates

General Temperament

White Cloud Mountain Minnows are peaceful, active, and highly social. They spend most of their time schooling in the mid-to-upper water column and interact through gentle chasing and fin-flaring displays. When kept in a proper group of 8–12+, they are confident, colourful, and extremely harmonious.

They rarely show aggression and are one of the most reliable “safe” community fish when temperature needs are matched.

What They Do Well With

The best tank mates for White Clouds are cool-water species that share similar behaviour and temperature needs.

Ideal companions:

• Zebra Danios (Danio rerio)
• Celestial Pearl Danios (Danio margaritatus) — at the lower end of their range
• Rosy Barbs (in larger tanks)
• Hillstream Loaches (Sewellia, Gastromyzon)
• Panda Garra (temperate setups)
• Snails and hardy shrimp that tolerate cooler water
• Other Tanichthys species and varieties (Gold, Long-Fin, Vietnamese forms)

White Clouds do not outcompete their tank mates for food and coexist peacefully when there is adequate space.

Avoid / Caution

Avoid pairing White Cloud Mountain Minnows with warm-water or aggressive species. Temperature mismatch is one of the biggest stress factors.

Avoid warm-water tropicals:

• Guppies
• Bettas
• Gouramis
• Angelfish
• Warm-water tetras (Neon, Cardinal, etc.)
• Most Corydoras (they prefer warmer conditions)

Avoid aggressive or nippy species:

• Serpae Tetras
• Tiger Barbs
• Most cichlids

Avoid predators:
Anything large enough to eat them will do so.

Community Size Tips

White Clouds look and behave best in proper schools.

Guidelines:

• Keep 8–12+ individuals
• Larger groups create better colouration and more natural behaviour
• Maintain open mid-water space for schooling
• Add tank mates after the main school is established
• Choose species that won’t outcompete them for food

A well-planned temperate community centred around a healthy school creates a lively, balanced tank.

Common Health Issues & Care Tips

Stress Signs

White Cloud Mountain Minnows are hardy, but they show stress clearly. Recognising early signs helps prevent disease.

Common indicators:

• Faded colours or dull stripe
• Clamped fins
• Excessive hiding
• Rapid or erratic swimming
• Surface gasping (low oxygen or high temperature)
• Tight schooling when there is no threat
• Reduced appetite

Most stress results from:

• High temperature (>24–25°C)
• Poor water quality
• Small group sizes
• Harsh or overly bright lighting
• Incompatible tank mates

Correcting the cause usually restores normal behaviour quickly. Furthermore, many health problems stem from avoidable beginner mistakes, so reviewing the most common aquarium mistakes can be helpful.

Frequent Problems

White Clouds rarely get sick under good care, but poor conditions can lead to common freshwater issues.

Fin Rot

• Frayed or cloudy fins
• Usually caused by poor water quality

Ich (White Spot)

• Small white cysts on the fins and body
• Triggered by temperature swings
• Treat gently — keep temperatures below ~26°C

Internal Parasites

• Weight loss despite eating
• More common in low-quality stock

Columnaris

• Cotton-like patches on mouth or body
• More likely at warm temperatures

Maintaining cool, clean, stable water is the simplest and most effective preventative measure.

Quarantine Protocol

Quarantining new fish greatly reduces the risk of introducing disease.

Simple 2–4 week approach:

• 20–30 L tank
• Sponge filter
• Observe daily behaviour
• Feed quality small foods
• Test water regularly

Treat only when symptoms appear — unnecessary medication can weaken fish.

Watch for:

• Flashing or rubbing
• White spots or cloudy patches
• Stringy white poop
• Lethargy or poor appetite

Healthy, active, symptom-free fish can then join the main aquarium.

Baseline Maintenance

Consistent maintenance is key to keeping White Clouds healthy long-term.

Weekly

• 25–40% water change
• Light substrate vacuum
• Rinse the pre-filter sponge
• Check temperature and flow

Monthly

• Rinse the main filter media in tank water
• Trim plants
• Recheck water parameters

Ongoing

• Don’t overfeed
• Keep the flow gentle but oxygen-rich
• Maintain a proper school size
• Keep temperatures stable and on the cooler side

Stable, clean water and good feeding habits lead to vibrant colouration and long lifespans.

Variants, Line-bred Strains & Wild Forms

Over time, selective breeding and regional discoveries have produced several attractive forms of the White Cloud Mountain Minnow. All are peaceful, hardy, and share the same care requirements, but each offers a slightly different look.

Gold White Cloud Mountain Minnow

A popular line-bred form with:

• A pale gold to cream body
• Red or orange fins
• A slightly softer iridescent stripe

Colour stands out beautifully against dark substrates and plants.

Long-Fin White Cloud Mountain Minnow

Known for:

• Extended flowing fins
• Slower, more graceful swimming
• Enhanced red and white fin accents

Best kept with peaceful fish to prevent fin damage.

“Vietnamese White Cloud” (Tanichthys micagemmae)

A closely related species often grouped with White Clouds:

• More intense red fins
• Thinner, sharper body shape
• Often more colourful overall

Requires the same care but prefers the cooler end of the range.

Standard Form (Wild-Type Look)

The classic variety featuring:

• Silver-green body
• Blue-green iridescent stripe
• Red fin tips

Captive-bred, but retains the appearance of the original wild form.

Buying Guide & Sourcing

What to Look For at Purchase

Choose active, alert fish that swim confidently with the group. Healthy White Clouds should have:

• Clear eyes and intact fins
• Bright stripe and stable colouration
• No clamped fins, gasping, or erratic swimming
• No white spots, frayed fins, or fungal patches

Ideally, observe the school for a few minutes — good stock moves smoothly in mid-water and interacts naturally.

Avoid fish in tanks with:

• Sick or dead tank mates
• Cloudy water
• Overcrowding
• Incompatible warm-water species

Captive-Bred vs Wild/Locality

All commercially available White Cloud Mountain Minnows are captive-bred, as the species is believed to be extinct or extremely rare in the wild in its original location.

Captive-bred advantages:

• More adaptable to a range of water parameters
• Lower disease risk
• Ethically sustainable
• Typically more consistent in colour and finnage

“Wild-type” forms simply mimic the original look; they are not wild-caught.

Responsible Sourcing

Supporting ethical breeding helps maintain healthy lines and reduces long-term issues.

Good sourcing options:

• Reputable aquarium stores
• Local breeders or hobbyists
• Clubs and fish-keeping groups
• Specialist online retailers

Avoid:

• If sellers are keeping them with warm-water species
• If breeders are pushing extremely exaggerated traits that compromise health
• Fish from mixed, overheated systems

Ethical sourcing helps maintain hardy, long-lived stock.

Acclimation Checklist

A gentle acclimation prevents stress and keeps the school stable.

Quick checklist:

1. Dim the lights.
2. Float the bag for 15–20 minutes to equalise temperature.
3. Add small amounts of tank water to the bag over 15–20 minutes.
4. Net the fish into the aquarium — avoid adding bag water.
5. Keep lights low for a few hours and avoid feeding immediately.
6. Observe schooling behaviour and breathing rate.

White Clouds typically adjust quickly when added to a peaceful, cool-water tank.

White Cloud Mountain Minnow Care Summary

White Cloud Mountain Minnows (Tanichthys albonubes) are hardy, peaceful schooling fish ideal for cool-water aquariums. They thrive in groups of 8–12+, prefer 16–24°C (61–75°F), and display their best colours with moderate lighting, clean water, and gentle flow. A planted aquascape with open mid-water space suits them perfectly.

They accept a wide range of small foods, including micro pellets, crushed flakes, daphnia, and baby brine shrimp. Stable water parameters, regular maintenance, and varied feeding keep them vibrant and long-lived.

Breeding is straightforward: they scatter adhesive eggs among fine plants or spawning mops, and fry grow quickly when provided with tiny foods and clean, oxygen-rich water. Avoid warm-water or aggressive tank mates, maintain a proper school size, and opt for ethical captive-bred stock whenever possible.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What temperature do White Cloud Minnows need?

They thrive at 18–22°C (64–72°F). Avoid tropical temperatures, which can shorten their lifespan.

Do White Clouds breed easily?

Yes. They often spawn naturally in planted tanks. For high fry survival, use a breeding tank or spawning mop.

How do you protect White Cloud Minnow eggs?

Adults will eat eggs. Use dense plants, a mesh grate, or move eggs/fry to a separate tank.

What do White Cloud Minnows eat?

Small foods like micro pellets, crushed flakes, baby brine shrimp, and daphnia.

How long do White Cloud Mountain Minnows live?

Typically 4–6 years with good care and cool, stable water.

Are White Cloud Minnows hardy?

Yes. They tolerate a wide range of cool-water conditions and are excellent beginner fish.

Do White Clouds need a heater?

Usually not. They prefer cooler water and thrive at normal room temperatures.

How many White Clouds should be kept together?

Keep at least 8–12 to reduce stress and encourage natural schooling.

Can White Clouds live with tropical fish?

Not usually. Most tropical species require warmer water than White Clouds prefer.

Can White Clouds be kept in outdoor tubs?

Yes, during warm seasons. They do very well outdoors and often breed prolifically.

If you’re new to fishkeeping, our Beginner’s Guide Hub provides everything you need to set up a stable aquarium.