White Cloud Mountain minnow
Also known as White cloud, Tanichthys albonubes
- Adult size
- About 3–4 cm
- Lifespan
- 3–5 years
- Origin
- Southern China, including the Baiyun (White Cloud) Mountain area near Guangzhou
- Company
- Keep in a shoal of at least 6
- Hardy
- Peaceful
- Active
- Coldwater
About the White Cloud Mountain minnow
The White Cloud Mountain minnow is a small, slender fish with a gold-edged stripe and red-tipped fins. It is named after the mountain where it was first found, and wild populations have become extremely rare due to habitat loss.
In the aquarium hobby, however, white clouds are widely bred and very common. They are true coldwater fish, which makes them a good choice for unheated tanks in temperate homes.
Their adaptability and calm nature mean they are often suggested as an alternative to goldfish for people with smaller coldwater tanks.
Temperament
White clouds are peaceful, active shoaling fish that do best in groups. Males display to one another with spread fins, but this rarely leads to injury. They can share a tank with other small coldwater or subtropical species, but not with goldfish, which may eat them and need very different space.
Tank & water
A group needs a tank of at least around 60 litres. They prefer cooler water, roughly 14–22°C, and can become stressed if kept permanently warm alongside tropical fish. A gentle to moderate filter, live plants and a tight lid suit them. Indoors, most will not need a heater, provided the room does not get very cold.
Diet
White clouds are omnivores that take small flake, micro-pellets and small frozen or live foods. A varied diet keeps their colours bright. Feed small amounts once or twice daily.
Behaviour & tank mates
These minnows are busy mid-water and surface swimmers that enjoy open space framed by plants. Males' displays and shoaling behaviour are most visible in a decent-sized group. Fine-leaved plants offer shelter and are where they often scatter eggs.
Tank maintenance
Change around 20–25% of the water weekly using dechlorinated water close to tank temperature. Keep the filter clean in old tank water so the biological filtration stays healthy.
Health
White clouds are hardy but can suffer from white spot, fin rot and other common infections, particularly if kept too warm for long periods. Sudden temperature swings are best avoided. Quarantine new fish and seek advice from an aquatic vet or experienced specialist if problems arise.
Prone to
- White spot (ich)
- Fin rot
- Stress from prolonged high temperatures
Call a vet if you notice
- Gasping at the surface — test the waterEmergency
- White spots on the body
- Clamped fins and loss of colour
- Fish hiding and not feeding
- Frayed or rotting fins
An aquatic vet or experienced aquatic specialist is best placed to help. Find one before you need them.
Common questions
Do White Cloud Mountain minnows need a heater?
Usually not indoors, as they prefer cool water. A heater can be useful only if the room becomes very cold.
Can white clouds live with goldfish?
It is not recommended. Goldfish grow large and may eat them, and goldfish need much bigger tanks with stronger filtration.
Are white clouds endangered?
Wild populations have been severely reduced by habitat loss and were once thought lost, though some have since been found. The fish in the hobby are captive-bred.
Written by the Petopedia editorial team to our editorial standards. General guidance, not veterinary advice.