White Cloud Mountain Minnow

• ExerciseModerate

  An active swimmer that appreciates open swimming space.

• GroomingEasy tank upkeep

  No grooming here — steady water quality and routine tank care do it.

• Living spaceNano-tank friendly

  Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.

• Owner experienceSome experience helps

  A little know-how makes life smoother.

• Commitment3–5 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Ich (white spot) · Fin rot · Skin conditions

The white cloud mountain minnow (Tanichthys albonubes) is a small, cool-water fish originally from the White Cloud Mountain streams near Guangzhou in southern China, where it is now nearly extinct in the wild. It grows to about 4 cm and lives 3–5 years, sometimes longer. Its bright lateral stripe and red-tipped fins earned it the nickname 'poor man's neon.' Unlike most aquarium fish, white clouds are subtropical and thrive without a heater at 16–22°C, tolerating an even wider range, with a pH of 6.0–8.0. They are peaceful schooling fish for a tank of 40 litres or more and should be kept in groups of six or more, with plants and open swimming space. Their tolerance of cool water makes them excellent unheated or first-tank fish. They are easy omnivores that eat flake, micro-pellets and small frozen or live foods. Active, hardy and utterly peaceful, they suit community tanks with other small, calm species and even coexist with fancy goldfish in cooler setups. Their few problems — ich and fin rot — usually follow overheating or poor water and are prevented by cool, clean, stable conditions.

• How active is a White Cloud Mountain Minnow?

  Moderate. An active swimmer that appreciates open swimming space.

• How much maintenance does a White Cloud Mountain Minnow need?

  Easy tank upkeep. No grooming here — steady water quality and routine tank care do it.

• What tank size does a White Cloud Mountain Minnow need?

  Nano-tank friendly. Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.

• Is a White Cloud Mountain Minnow a good fit for first-time owners?

  Some experience helps. A little know-how makes life smoother.

• How long do White Cloud Mountain Minnow live?

  3–5 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the White Cloud Mountain Minnow?

  Keep an eye out for Ich (white spot), Fin rot, Skin conditions. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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