White Cloud Mountain Minnow Care Guide (With TL;DR)

With their vibrant colors, active behavior, and hardy nature, White Cloud Mountain Minnows  have become popular additions to many aquariums. But like any other fish, they need the right care to be happy.

In this article, we’ll explore the essential aspects of White Cloud Mountain Minnow care. So, keep reading to find out everything you need to know!

TL;DR

White Cloud Mountain minnows are beginner-friendly and especially suitable for those starting out in fishkeeping. They are social fish and thrive in groups of 5-6. Opt for a horizontal tank that is at least 10 gallons in size. Maintain a temperature range of 64-72°F and a pH level between 6.0-8.0.

White Cloud Mountain Minnows are omnivorous, so make sure to give them a varied diet consisting of both plant and animal matter. However, tropical fish flakes should be the main component of their meals.

While White Cloud Mountain minnows are generally hardy, they can be vulnerable to certain diseases when the water quality in the tank is poor. So it’s crucial to maintain high water quality in their tank to prevent these ailments. With proper care, these minnows can live for up to 5-7 years.

When selecting tank mates, choose friendly and peaceful fish. Consider options such as harlequin rasboras, common corydoras, neon tetras, cherry barbs, and small dwarf gouramis.

Are White Cloud Mountain Minnows Easy To Keep?

If you’re looking for a low-maintenance fish to add to your aquarium, white cloud mountain minnows may be the perfect option for you. These small, colorful fish are known for being easy to care for and relatively hardy. No wonder they’re a popular choice for many hobbyists!

One of the reasons why white cloud mountain minnows are so easy to keep is that they don’t require a lot of space. Unlike larger fish that need large tanks to thrive, white cloud mountain minnows can do well in smaller aquariums. In fact, a well-kept 10-gallon tank is enough for these fish to be happy.

Also, white cloud mountain minnows are versatile fish that can adapt to different water levels. They prefer slightly alkaline water with a pH between 6.0 and 8.0 but can tolerate different levels. This makes them a good choice for beginners who may not be familiar with aquarium water chemistry.

Another great thing about Mountain Minnows is that they’re hardy and less likely to be affected by sudden changes or stress in their environment. 

Finally, white cloud mountain minnows are peaceful and sociable fish that can coexist with a variety of other freshwater species. They’re not aggressive toward each other or other fish, and they tend to school together in groups. This makes them a great option for community aquariums where multiple species are kept together. 

(Now you know that white cloud mountain minnows are easy fish to take care of! Here are 15 of the easiest fish to care for according to 150 fish keepers.)

Don’t just take my word for it, here are what other people had to say about keeping White Cloud Mountain Minnows!

Name	White Cloud Mountain Minnows (Tanichthys albonubes)
Cost	$3.29-$5.99+ Per Fish
Origin	China
Care Level	Easy
Lifespan	5-7 Years
Size	1.5 Inches
Tank Size	10 Gallons
pH	6.0-8.0
Temperature	64-72°F
KH	10-15
GH	5-19
Diet	Omnivores
Feeding	Fish Flakes, Live Food, Blanched Vegetables
Community Tank	Yes
Tank Level	Top-Mid Level
Plants	Java Moss, Anubias, Amazon Sword, Water Wisteria, Hornwort
Tank Mates	Otocinclus Catfish, Cherry Shrimp, Guppies, Pygmy Corydoras, Harlequin Rasboras, Kuhli Loaches, Ember Tetras, Sparkling Gouramis, Dwarf Gouramis, Endler’s Livebearers
Breeding	Easy
Breeding Type	Egg Scatterer

Appearance

White Cloud Mountain Minnows are quite pretty to look at. Their shiny silver body, colorful scales, and cute red spot make them a real standout in any fish tank. 

One really neat thing about these fish is that they have a line running down each side of their body. This line helps them feel things in the water around them, like changes in the water or where their food is.

And, of course, no one can resist their eye-catching colors! They have shiny silver bodies with colorful scales that reflect light and look sparkly. You’ll see shades of green and sometimes a bit of yellow or orange on their scales, which adds a nice touch of color to your tank.

Their fins are see-through and delicate, which matches their overall look. The fin on their back, called the dorsal fin, stands tall. They also have small, round fins on their sides and near their tail, which they use to swim gracefully.

What’s interesting about them is the red mark they have near their caudal and dorsal fin. It’s often called a “blush spot” or “red spot.” It’s a bright touch of red that makes them even more unique and pretty.

(If you wat to know about some of the most colorful freshwater fish, then check out this article!)

Size

White Cloud Mountain Minnows are only small, growing to be about 1.5 inches long. They also have a slender body shape, and they’re not very big compared to some other fish. Their size makes them perfect for smaller aquariums or community tanks where space may be limited.

With a length of around 1.5 inches, they’re easy to handle and observe. Their small size also means they don’t require a huge amount of swimming space, so you can provide them with a cozy and comfortable environment without needing a massive tank.

However, their petite size doesn’t take away from their beauty or charm. In fact, their small stature adds to their cuteness and makes them an excellent choice for fishkeepers who prefer smaller fish or have limited space.

Behavior

White Cloud Mountain Minnows are shoaling fish, which means they prefer to live in groups. A group of White Cloud Mountain Minnows is called a “school.” The ideal group size is 6 or more fish. When kept in smaller groups, White Cloud Mountain Minnows may become stressed and lose their bright colors.

White Cloud Mountain Minnows are also active and playful fish. They enjoy swimming around the tank and exploring their surroundings. They’re also very curious and will often investigate new objects in the tank. They’re not very fast swimmers, but they’re agile and can dart around the tank quickly.

When it’s time to eat, White Cloud Mountain Minnows are very energetic. They swim to the surface to grab floating food and search the bottom of the tank for any tasty bits. Their lively feeding behavior adds excitement to your aquarium.

And lastly, White Cloud Mountain Minnows are peaceful fish that are not aggressive toward other fish. They can be kept with other peaceful fish, such as guppies, mollies, and tetras. However, it’s important to avoid keeping them with larger or more aggressive fish, as they may be bullied or eaten.

Lifespan

White Cloud Mountain Minnows usually live for about 5 to 7 years. With proper care, they can enjoy a good amount of time in your fish tank.

Their lifespan depends on factors like clean water, healthy food, and overall well-being. By giving them a balanced diet, keeping their water clean, and creating a calm environment, you can help them live longer.

Keep in mind that each fish is unique, so some may live shorter or longer lives. But on average, these minnows will be a part of your aquarium for around 5 to 7 years.

White Cloud Mountain Minnows Water Parameters

When it comes to the water parameters for White Cloud Mountain Minnows, there are a few key factors to consider.

Name	White Cloud Mountain Minnows
pH	6.0-8.0
Temperature	64-72°F
GH	5-19
KH	10-15
Tank Size	10 Gallons

pH

White Cloud Mountain Minnows prefer a pH level in the range of 6.0 to 8.0. This range provides a suitable environment for their well-being.

Temperature

White Cloud Mountain Minnows are comfortable in water temperatures ranging from 64 to 72°F. It’s important to maintain a consistent temperature within this range to keep them happy and healthy.

Water Hardness

When it comes to the water hardness for White Cloud Mountain Minnows, they thrive in waters with the range of 5-19 dGH. 

Tank Size

White Cloud Mountain Minnows need a tank that is 10 gallons or bigger. This size gives them enough room to swim and explore comfortably. A larger tank lets these active fish show off their natural behaviors.

It also allows you to add plants, decorations, and hiding spots, which make the tank more interesting for them. And, of course, having a tank that is 10 gallons or larger ensures that your White Cloud Mountain Minnows have plenty of space to live happily. It also makes it easier to keep the water clean and stable.

Remember to think about how many fish you want to keep when deciding on the tank size. Giving them enough space to swim and keeping a peaceful community is important for their well-being.

What Do White Cloud Mountain Minnows Like In The Wild?

White Cloud Mountain Minnows are native to China, where they live in the fast-flowing streams of the White Cloud Mountains. These streams are typically clear and cool, with a pH of 6.0 to 8.0 and a temperature of 65-77°F. water hardness is 5-19 dGH.

The streams where White Cloud Mountain Minnows live are often rocky, with a sandy or gravel substrate. There’s usually plenty of vegetation in the streams, including mosses, ferns, and water plants. This vegetation provides the White Cloud Mountain Minnows with hiding places and food.

White Cloud Mountain Minnows are shoaling fish, which means they prefer to live in groups. They’re active and playful fish that enjoy swimming around the streams and exploring their surroundings. 

The natural habitat of the White Cloud Mountain Minnows is a beautiful and diverse environment. The streams are home to a variety of other fish, plants, and animals. White Cloud Mountain Minnows are an important part of this ecosystem, and they play a vital role in the food chain.

How To Setup A Tank For White Cloud Mountain Minnows 

Now, let’s go through the steps on how to set up a White Cloud Mountain Minnow tank.

Choose the Tank

The first step is to choose the right tank for your White Cloud Mountain Minnows. The minimum tank size for a group of 6 White Cloud Mountain Minnows is 10 gallons, but it’s always a good idea to go with a larger one. This will give them enough space to swim and explore.

Add the Heater

White Cloud Mountain Minnows are coldwater fish, so you will need to add a heater to the tank to keep the water temperature at 65-77°F. The heater should be rated for the size of your tank, and it should be placed in the tank so that the water is evenly heated.

Add the Filter

A filter is essential for keeping the water in your tank clean. The filter will remove waste and pollutants from the water, and it’ll also help to aerate the water. There are many different types of filters available, so you can choose one that fits your budget and your needs.

Add the Substrate

The substrate is the material that will cover the bottom of the tank. You can use a variety of substrates, such as sand, gravel, aquarium soil, or pebbles.  The substrate will provide your White Cloud Mountain Minnows with a place to rest and it also houses beneficial bacteria too!

Add Plants

White Cloud Mountain Minnows appreciate having plants in their tank. Plants provide them with hiding places and help to keep the water quality clean. So, you can add a variety of plants to your tank, such as Anubias, Java Fern, and Amazon Swords.

Add Water Conditioner

Before you add your White Cloud Mountain Minnows to the tank, you need to condition the water. This means adding chemicals to the water to make it safe for the fish. You can use a water conditioner that is specifically designed for aquariums.

Test the Water

Once you have conditioned the water, you need to test it to make sure that it’s safe for your White Cloud Mountain Minnows. You can test the water for ammonia, nitrite, and nitrates. 

Ammonia and nitrite are toxic to fish, so it’s important to make sure that these levels are zero. Nitrates are less toxic than ammonia and nitrite, but they can still be harmful to fish at high levels.

Acclimate your Fish

To acclimate your White Cloud Mountain Minnows, you will need to float their bag in the tank for about 15 minutes to equalize the water temperature. Then, you can start adding the water from the tank to the bag, a few tablespoons at a time. Let your fish swim in the bag for another 15-20 minutes.

Add your White Cloud Mountain Minnows

After acclimating your White Cloud Mountain Minnows, add them to the tank gently. Leave them alone for a few hours so they can adjust to their new environment.

Maintain the Tank

Once you have added your White Cloud Mountain Minnows to the tank, you need to maintain it. This means doing regular water changes and testing the water for ammonia, nitrite, and nitrates. You should also clean the tank and decorations regularly.

White Cloud Mountain Minnows Male Vs Female

Male and female White Cloud Mountain Minnows have a few differences, but they’re not very noticeable. In terms of looks, males are slimmer and more colorful, especially during breeding. They might have brighter red or orange on their fins and a red spot near their tail. Their anal fin is longer and pointy.

Females, on the other hand, have a rounder body shape and less intense colors. Their fins might have a bit of red or orange, but it’s not as vibrant as in males. Their anal fins are also shorter and rounder.

And when it comes to behavior, males can be more aggressive and territorial, especially during breeding. They might chase other males to show off to the females. On the other hand, females are usually more calm and might hide during breeding time.

Figuring out if a White Cloud Mountain Minnow is male or female can be tricky, especially when they’re young. So, the best way to tell is by looking at their physical features and behavior, especially during breeding.

White Cloud Mountain Minnows Diet

White Cloud Mountain Minnows have a diet that is simple and versatile. They eat both plant-based and animal-based foods.

Their main food is commercial fish flakes or pellets made for tropical fish, which you can easily find in pet stores. You can feed them a small amount of flakes or pellets once or twice a day. As you do this, make sure to adjust the quantity based on their hunger and the number of fish you have.

To add variety to their diet, you can also give them live or frozen foods. They enjoy treats like brine shrimp, daphnia, or bloodworms. These can be given occasionally or as a supplement to their regular diet. If you prefer, you can use frozen versions of these foods, which are convenient to store and use.

In addition to animal-based foods, White Cloud Mountain Minnows like to eat some vegetables. You can offer them boiled or blanched vegetables such as spinach, peas, or lettuce. Just make sure to cut the vegetables into small pieces for easier eating.

When feeding your Minnows, it’s important not to overfeed them because overfeeding can lead to health issues and dirty water in the tank. So, just give them an amount of food that they can finish in a few minutes. 

If you’re new to setting up a fish tank, then you’ll want to avoid these 24 common beginner mistakes.

White Cloud Mountain Minnows Tank Mates 

Now, here are some of the best tank mates for your White Cloud Mountain Minnows. 

Otocinclus Catfish 

Otocinclus Catfish are small, peaceful algae-eaters that are a good fit for a community tank with White Cloud Mountain Minnows. These catfish help to keep the tank clean and free of algae, and they’re not going to cause problems with other fish.

Cherry Shrimp

Cherry Shrimp are peaceful and help keep the tank clean by consuming algae. These fish coexist well with White Cloud Mountain Minnows because of their non-aggressive nature.

Guppies

Guppies are small, colorful fish that are easy to care for. Guppies are a good choice for a community tank with your White Cloud mountain Minnows because they’re not aggressive to other fish, and they come in a variety of colors.

Pygmy Corydoras

Pygmy Corydoras are tiny bottom-dwellers that complement the active nature of White Cloud Mountain Minnows. These cute fish add variety to the lower levels of the tank.

Harlequin Rasboras

Harlequin Rasboras are colorful fish that create a visually appealing display with their vibrant colors and active swimming. Rasboras also share a similar temperament with White Cloud Mountain Minnows so they’ll be great together.

Kuhli Loach 

Kuhli Loaches are unique eel-like fish that spend most of their time at the bottom of the tank. Their appearance makes your tank even more interesting without competing for space.

Ember Tetra 

Ember Tetras are small, active fish that bring vivid red-orange colors to the aquarium. These tetras are a popular choice for many fishkeepers because they’re low-maintenance and friendly.

Sparkling Gourami 

Sparkling Gouramis are peaceful, small-sized fish with unique patterns. These gouramis occupy the upper levels of the tank, so you don’t have to worry about them having territorial fights with your minnows.

Dwarf Gourami 

Dwarf Gouramis are non-aggressive and available in various colors, adding a striking visual element to the tank. Their small size and personalities make them great tank mates for White Cloud Mountain Minnows.

Endler’s Livebearer 

Endler’s Livebearers are colorful, active fish that are compatible with White Cloud Mountain Minnows. They like to stay in different levels of the tank, so you can always ensure a harmonious coexistence if they’re kept with Minnows.

All of the fish listed here are GREAT community fish! If you want to know about more great community fish, then check out my 50 top rated choices!

White Cloud Mountain Minnows Plants

Here are five great plants for your White Cloud Mountain Minnows, and why they’re perfect choices in your tank:

Java Moss

Java Moss is a tough plant that can grow in different water conditions. It creates hiding spots for the minnows, especially for the fry. Plus, it keeps the water clean by trapping debris.

Anubias

Anubias is popular because it has wide leaves and is easy to take care of. The minnows can rest and explore on its surface. It also grows well in low light, which is good for most tanks.

Hornwort

Hornwort grows fast and gives off oxygen, keeping the water quality high. And what’s great about it is that its feathery leaves give the minnows places to hide and play. 

Amazon Sword

Amazon Sword is best for bigger tanks. This plant makes the aquarium look lush and natural. Also, your minnows can hide and explore among its big leaves. 

Water Wisteria

Water Wisteria has pretty, delicate leaves that add beauty to the tank. It grows fast and provides shade and hiding spots for your minnows. It also helps keep the water clean by absorbing nitrates.

White Cloud Mountain Minnows Breeding

Breeding White Cloud Mountain Minnows can be a rewarding and relatively easy process. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to breed them:

First, set up a separate breeding tank with clean water and suitable conditions. Use fine-leaved plants like Java Moss or spawning mops as hiding spots for the eggs.

Next, choose healthy males and females for breeding. Preferably, choose one male for every three females. Feed them a nutritious diet to prepare them for breeding. This helps improve their chances of successful spawning.

Now, introduce the pair to the breeding tank and provide plenty of hiding places. The male will chase the female, and she will scatter the eggs among the plants. The male quickly fertilizes the eggs.

After spawning, remove the adult fish from the breeding tank to prevent them from eating the eggs. Put them back in their original tank.

The eggs will hatch in about 36-48 hours. Maintain stable conditions and clean water during this time. The fry will initially feed on their yolk sacs before transitioning to small live foods or powdered fry food.

As the fry grow, gradually introduce larger food options like baby brine shrimp or crushed flake food. Keep an eye on water quality and perform regular water changes. Provide hiding spots for the fry to keep them safe.

White Cloud Mountain Minnows Common Diseases

Now, these are some of the most common diseases that your White Cloud Mountain Minnows can get and what you can do to treat them.

Disease	Symptoms or Causes	Suggested Action or Treatment
Ich	White spots on body and fins, flashing behavior	Treat with medication containing formalin or malachite green
Fin Rot	Deterioration or fraying of fins, redness or inflammation	Improve water quality, treat with antibiotics if severe
Velvet Disease	Yellow or grayish film on body, loss of appetite	Treat with copper-based medication
Dropsy	Swollen abdomen, protruding scales	Isolate infected fish, treat with antibiotics
Columnaris	Cotton-like growth on body or fins, ulcers or sores	Improve water quality, treat with antibiotics or antifungals
Swim Bladder Disorder	Fish floating at the surface or sinking to the bottom	Adjust feeding habits, provide a balanced diet

How Many White Cloud Mountain Minnows Can You Keep Together?

White Cloud Mountain Minnows are shoaling fish, which means that they prefer to be kept in groups. The number of these fish that you can keep together will depend on the size of your tank. If you have a 10-gallon tank, it’s best to keep around 6 White Cloud Mountain Minnows.

However, it’s important to note that this is just a general guideline. The specific number of White Cloud Mountain Minnows that you can keep together will also depend on the other fish in your tank. If you’re keeping other fish that are territorial, you’ll need to reduce the number of Minnows.

It’s also important to consider the size of your tank when deciding how many White Cloud Mountain Minnows to keep. A larger tank will give the fish more space to swim and explore. This will also help to reduce stress and keep the fish healthy.

Facts About White Cloud Mountain Minnows

Now, here are 10 interesting facts about White Cloud Mountain Minnows that’ll surely make you love them even more!

1. White Cloud Mountain Minnows are also known as Tanichthys albonubes, which means “white clouds with blue clouds” in Greek.
   
2. These fish aree native to China, where they’re found in the White Cloud Mountains.
   
3. White Cloud Mountain Minnows are considered to be one of the hardiest aquarium fish.
   
4. White Cloud Mountain Minnows are relatively inexpensive to purchase, making them a good option for budget-minded aquarium hobbyists.

5. White Cloud Mountain Minnows were first introduced to the aquarium trade in the 1930s.

6. White Cloud Mountain Minnows are a popular choice for breeding, and can be easily bred in captivity.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions that people have about white cloud mountain minnows!

How Many White Cloud Mountain Minnows Can You Keep In A 5 Gallon Tank?

A 5-gallon tank is quite small, and it’s important to consider the space requirements and well-being of the fish. Due to the limited space, it’s not recommended to keep White Cloud Mountain Minnows in a 5-gallon tank. 

Why Are Your White Cloud Mountain Minnows Hiding?

There can be several reasons why White Cloud Mountain Minnows may be hiding in your aquarium. Stress, aggression, poor water conditions, or lack of suitable hiding spots are some of the main reasons.

How Often Should You Feed White Cloud Mountain Minnows

White Cloud Mountain Minnows are small fish with relatively high metabolisms. It’s generally recommended to feed them small amounts of food one to two times a day.

How Long Does It Take For Golden White Cloud Mountain Minnows To Grow?

On average, it takes around 6 to 12 months for them to reach their full size, which is typically around 1.5 inches. However, their growth rate can vary depending on factors like water quality, temperature, diet, and genetics. 

Are White Cloud Moutain Minnows Hardy?

White Cloud Mountain Minnows are considered hardy fish, which means they’re resilient and adaptable to different conditions. They can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and water parameters, making them relatively easy to care for.

Can White Cloud Mountain Minnows Survive Winter?

White Cloud Mountain Minnows are native to mountain streams in China, where they experience seasonal variations in temperature. They can survive colder temperatures, including winter, as long as the water doesn’t freeze completely. 

Do White Cloud Mountain Minnow Need A Heater?

White Cloud Mountain Minnows need a stable environment, so using a heater is recommended to maintain a consistent temperature range, especially in indoor aquariums where room temperatures can fluctuate.

Conclusion

Caring for White Cloud Mountain Minnows is both enjoyable and manageable, thanks to their hardy nature and adaptability. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can create a thriving aquarium environment for these vibrant fish.