White Cloud Mountain Minnow (Tanichthys albonubes)

The White Cloud Mountain Minnow (Tanichthys albonubes) is a small, hardy, and peaceful coldwater fish native to China. They are incredibly popular in the aquarium hobby because they are easy to care for, budget-friendly, and do not require a heater in standard indoor setups.

Core Care & Aquarium Setup

Water Temperature: These are coldwater fish, meaning they thrive at cooler room temperatures. Avoid keeping them at constantly high temperatures, as it shortens their lifespan.

Schooling Dynamics: Always keep them in groups of six or more. They are tight schoolers, and keeping them in groups reduces stress and brings out their best colors.

Tank Design: A well-planted tank with a dark substrate is best. Plants offer security, and a dark background makes their shimmering silver-green and red colors pop. They prefer gentle to moderate water currents.

Outdoor Use: Because they tolerate cool temperatures, they are excellent for outdoor patio ponds. They are widely used as a natural way to control mosquito populations by eating the larvae.

Diet and Feeding

White Clouds are not picky eaters. Feed them once or twice a day with high-quality micro-pellets or crushed flakes.

Supplement their diet with frozen or live treats like Daphnia, brine shrimp, or bloodworms to keep them healthy and stimulate breeding.

Tank Mates

They are completely peaceful and belong in community tanks with other non-aggressive, cooler-water species.

Great tank mates include:

Fancy Goldfish (only when the minnows are large enough not to be eaten)

Zebra Danios

Hillstream Loaches

Cherry Shrimp and Amano Shrimp