Can you imagine a small, brightly colored creature, like a “shooting star,” darting agilely through your aquarium? The ornamental White Cloud Mountain Minnow (Tanichthys albonubes), also known as the “Chinese Neon”, is a species that not only dazzles with its subtle beauty but is also one of the most popular and recommended in the world of fishkeeping, especially for those just starting.
Originally from China, the White Cloud Mountain Minnow is the ideal species for cold or temperate water aquariums, often without the need for a heater in many regions. This fish is celebrated for its hardiness and ease of care; furthermore, its peaceful and active nature makes it the ideal companion for a variety of ornamental fish of similar size and calm temperament.
Although the original wild populations of Tanichthys albonubes suffered a drastic decline due to habitat loss, even being considered extinct in the wild for a time, the species has shown incredible resilience. Today, thanks to captive breeding, White Cloud Mountain Minnows are sold and enjoyed worldwide, making them an accessible gem for hobbyists.
If you are an enthusiast starting in the fascinating world of aquariums, especially if you are leaning towards a coldwater or unheated setup, or simply looking for a robust and beautiful fish, the White Cloud Mountain Minnow is an exceptional choice. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through all the essential aspects to maintain, breed, and ensure your White Cloud Mountain Minnows thrive, revealing all the secrets of their data sheet, care, feeding, and breeding.
What is the White Cloud Mountain Minnow (Tanichthys albonubes)?
The White Cloud Mountain Minnow, whose scientific name is Tanichthys albonubes, is a small cyprinid that has captivated aquarists for decades. Its popularity is no coincidence; it combines beauty, hardiness, and fascinating behavior.
Taxonomy of the White Cloud Mountain Minnow
The White Cloud Mountain Minnow belongs to the Cyprinidae family and the genus Tanichthys. In recent years, researchers have been studying and identifying more fish species within this family.
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Cypriniformes
Family: Cyprinidae
Genus: Tanichthys
Scientific name: Tanichthys albonubes
Spanish names: “Neón chino,” “neón de agua fría” (coldwater neon), “neón del pobre” (poor man’s neon), “tanichis,” “falso neón” (false neon)
English names: “White Cloud Mountain Minnow,” “Canton danio,” “Chinese danio,” “white cloud,” “white cloud mountain fish.”
Tanichthys albonubes has been reported as a cryptic species. Li et al. (2022) generated and characterized the first full-length transcriptome for Tanichthys albonubes, providing a valuable genomic resource.
Likewise, Jin et al. (2022) reported six new described species: Tanichthys shenzhenensis, Tanichthys huidongensis, Tanichthys luheensis, Tanichthys dongxingensis, Tanichthys guipingensis, and Tanichthys hainanensis. Furthermore, the study by Li et al. (2023) validates the existence of multiple cryptic species within what was previously considered a single species, Tanichthys albonubes, highlighting their genetic isolation, low diversity, and small effective population sizes, which underscores the urgency of conservation and management measures for each of them as separate units.
Colors and varieties of the White Cloud Mountain Minnow
The White Cloud Mountain Minnow is a small, slender fish with a lifespan of 3 to 5 years, and it can reach a maximum length of about 4 cm. Its body is olive-brown to bronze, with a lighter belly. Its most distinctive feature is an iridescent horizontal line of neon blue or turquoise running along its body from the eye to the caudal fin. Its dorsal and anal fins usually have red and yellow or bright white edges, especially in well-acclimated males or during courtship. The caudal fin also features a bright red spot at its base.
Several varieties of White Cloud Mountain Minnows have been developed through selective breeding, including golden (gold), long-finned, and pink varieties, among others; additionally, transgenic fish have also been developed:
- Common White Cloud Mountain Minnow (Tanichthys albonubes): The wild or standard form described previously.
- Golden White Cloud Mountain Minnow (Gold): A popular xanthic variant that features a golden or pale yellow body, while maintaining the iridescence and fin colors.
- Long-Finned White Cloud Mountain Minnow (Long Fin / Veil Tail): Both the common and golden forms can have noticeably longer and more flowing fins. They are sometimes called “Meteor Minnows.”
- Albino White Cloud Mountain Minnow: Less common, with a pale pink body and red eyes.
It’s important to note that the White Cloud Mountain Minnow should not be confused with the Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi) or the Cardinal Tetra (Paracheirodon axelrodi), which are South American species from the Characidae family and require warmer, softer waters.
Origin, discovery, and history of the “Chinese Miracle”
Tanichthys albonubes was discovered in the 1930s in the streams of White Cloud Mountain (Baiyun Shan) near Canton (Guangzhou), China. Its generic name, Tanichthys, honors a Chinese Boy Scout leader named Tan Kan Fei, who was the first to collect specimens. The specific epithet, albonubes, comes from the Latin “alba” (white) and “nubes” (cloud), referring to its place of origin.
Tanichthys albonubes is a fish native to the coastal province of Guangdong and Hainan Island in China, as well as Quảng Ninh province in Vietnam (Sharpe, 2022). The White Cloud Mountain Minnow is considered an endangered species in China (Zhao et al., 2019) and is included in Class II of protected animals on China’s State Key Protected Aquatic Animal List (Zhang et al., 2017); however, a series of efforts are underway to recover its natural populations.
To the delight of the scientific and aquarist community, small isolated populations have been rediscovered in China and Vietnam, and even an introduced population in Australia. Despite this, the IUCN Red List categorized it as “Endangered,” and currently, although its status has improved to “Least Concern” thanks to captive breeding and some wild populations, the original populations remain vulnerable. Captive breeding has been fundamental for the preservation of the species and its availability in the ornamental industry.
Breeding the White Cloud Mountain Minnow: A step-by-step guide to rearing
Breeding the White Cloud Mountain Minnow is relatively easy, making them an excellent choice for aquarists who wish to experience fish breeding. They are free-spawning egg-scatterers that disperse their eggs among plants.
Sexual differences: Identifying males and females
Distinguishing the sexes can be subtle. Even though Li et al. (2016) found no significant differences in characteristics such as body length, head depth and width, caudal fin areas, distances from the mouth tip to the end of the occipital bone, and from the ventral fin origin to the dorsal fin end between males and females of T. albonubes, some differences exist:
- Males: Tend to be more slender and colorful, with slightly more developed fins and more intense colors, especially during courtship.
- Females: Are generally rounder and more robust, especially when laden with eggs. Their colors may be slightly duller compared to dominant males.
The White Cloud Mountain Minnow reaches sexual maturity between six months and one year of age. If you want to breed them, you should improve the diet of the breeders to prepare them for reproduction, with live foods such as Artemia, water fleas, or mosquito larvae.
Preparing the breeding tank for Tanichthys albonubes
To maximize the survival rate of the fry, it is advisable to prepare a separate breeding tank:
- Size: A small tank of 10-20 liters (approximately 2.5-5 gallons) is sufficient.
- Water: Use water from the main tank or new dechlorinated water with similar parameters. A temperature in the upper range of their preference (around 20-22°C or 68-72°F) can help induce spawning.
- Spawning Substrate: White Cloud Mountain Minnows do not care for their eggs and may eat them. To protect the eggs, you can use:
- A layer of marbles or large pebbles on the bottom for the eggs to fall between.
- A mesh or grid at the bottom.
- Abundant fine-leaved plants like Java moss, Myriophyllum, or spawning mops made of acrylic yarn.
- Filtration: A gentle sponge filter is ideal to avoid sucking up eggs or fry.
The spawning process: Conditioning and laying
- Selection of Breeders: Choose a group of healthy, well-fed adults (2-3 males per female, or pairs).
- Conditioning: For one to two weeks before moving them to the breeding tank, feed them a protein-rich diet, including plenty of live or frozen food.
- Introduction to the Breeding Tank: Transfer the breeders to the breeding tank in the afternoon. Spawning usually occurs in the morning.
- Courtship and Laying: Males will perform displays, chasing females and showing their most vibrant colors. Females will scatter small groups of adhesive or semi-adhesive eggs among the plants or spawning substrate. A female can lay from a few dozen to several hundred eggs in multiple spawnings.
- Removal of Adults: Once spawning has concluded (usually within a few hours or by the next day), remove the adults to prevent them from eating the eggs.
Care of White Cloud Mountain Minnow eggs and ry
- Hatching: White Cloud Mountain Minnow eggs hatch in approximately 36-72 hours, depending on the temperature. Newly hatched White Cloud Mountain Minnow larvae are 2.2 to 2.6 mm in length (Sado and Kimura, 2005).
- First Days: Newly hatched fry (larvae) will feed on their yolk sac for the first 2-3 days. They are very small and may look like glass slivers adhered to surfaces. Zhanqiang et al. (2006) studied the larval development of Tanichthys albonubes, and noted that the larvae begin to swim in groups and start feeding, and by five days the larvae depend entirely on the prey they capture.
- Feeding the Fry: Once they begin to swim freely, they need very small foods. Infusoria, rotifers, or commercial liquid fry food are essential during the first week. Subsequently, you can introduce newly hatched brine shrimp nauplii and microworms.
- Maintenance: Perform small, frequent water changes (10-15% every 1-2 days) in the breeding tank, using dechlorinated water at the same temperature to maintain excellent water quality.
- Growth: White Cloud Mountain Minnow fry grow relatively quickly if provided with good nutrition and optimal conditions. In a few weeks, they will begin to show adult coloration.
Once spawning begins, the eggs will be scattered throughout the aquarium for up to 24 hours. The eggs will hatch in 36 to 48 hours. In this regard, Chen et al. (2004) report that embryonic development is greatly prolonged by low temperature and accelerated by high temperature; thus, they note that at a temperature of 28°C hatching occurs at 28 hours, at 22.5 to 25°C hatching occurs at 50 hours, and at 14 to 16.8°C hatching occurs at 147 hours.
Feeding the White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Feeding the White Cloud Mountain Minnow is simple, as they are omnivores and accept a wide variety of foods. A varied diet is key to their health, coloration, and vitality.
Types of food for a balanced diet
- Quality Dry Food: Good quality flakes or micro-granules should form the basis of their diet. Look for products formulated for small omnivorous fish.
- Live Food: They love it, and it is very beneficial for their health and for inducing reproduction. Small daphnia (water fleas), newly hatched brine shrimp, microworms, grindal worms, and mosquito larvae are excellent options.
- Frozen Food: Similar to live food, but easier to store. Brine shrimp, daphnia, tubifex (in moderation and from reliable sources), and frozen mosquito larvae are well accepted.
- Freeze-Dried Food: A good alternative when live or frozen food is not available.
- Vegetables: Occasionally, you can offer them small amounts of blanched and finely chopped vegetables, such as spinach or peeled peas.
Frequency and amount
Feed your White Cloud Mountain Minnows once or twice a day, offering only the amount they can consume in 2-3 minutes. It is better to underfeed than to overfeed, as excess food pollutes the water. A fast day once a week can be beneficial for their digestive system.
Ideal aquarium parameters for the White Cloud Mountain Minnow
For your White Cloud Mountain Minnows to display their full splendor and live a long and healthy life, it is crucial to replicate their natural habitat conditions as much as possible. Fortunately, they are very adaptable fish.
Water quality
White Cloud Mountain Minnows inhabit the upper or middle part of the aquarium; they are rarely seen at the bottom of the tank. Experts recommend keeping them in groups of at least 6 fish.
In Table 1, we present a data sheet with the range of the most important water quality parameters for the White Cloud Mountain Minnow. The White Cloud Mountain Minnow is very hardy and suitable for beginners, and can withstand water temperatures as low as 5°C.
Table 1. Data sheet of water quality parameters for raising White Cloud Mountain Minnows.
| Parameters | Range |
| Minimum aquarium size | 40 liters (approx. 10 gallons) for 6 fish. |
| Water temperature | 14 – 22 oC (57°F – 72°F) |
| pH | 6.0 to 8.0 |
| Nitrate | 20 – 40 ppm |
| Ammonia and nitrites | 0 ppm |
| General hardness (GH) | 5 to 20 dGH |
| Carbonate hardness (KH) | 4 and 10 dKH |
| Water changes | 20 to 30% of the volume |
Aquarium setup
Although they are small fish, White Cloud Mountain Minnows are active and agile swimmers who enjoy horizontal space.
- Substrate: A dark substrate (fine sand or small gravel) will make their colors stand out and provide them with security.
- Plants: A planted aquarium is ideal for White Cloud Mountain Minnows. Plants provide shelter, enrich the environment, and help maintain water quality. Species like Java moss, Anubias, Java ferns, and fast-growing stem plants are excellent choices.
- Filtration: Good filtration is essential, but the current should not be excessively strong. A sponge filter, hang-on-back filter, or a small internal filter are suitable.
- Lighting: Moderate lighting is sufficient, especially if you have live plants. Too much light can stress them or make their colors appear dull.
- Decorations: Rocks, driftwood, and caves can add visual interest and hiding places, though make sure they do not have sharp edges.
Behavior and compatibility of the White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Understanding the natural behavior of the White Cloud Mountain Minnow is key to their well-being and to choosing suitable tank mates.
Social behavior: The Importance of schooling
The White Cloud Mountain Minnow is a schooling fish by nature. They feel more secure and exhibit more natural behavior and intense colors when kept in groups. A minimum of 6-8 individuals is recommended, although a school of 10 or more is even better. Solitary or in small groups, they can become shy, stressed, and even more susceptible to diseases. Observing a school of White Cloud Mountain Minnows exploring the aquarium is a true spectacle.
They are generally peaceful and active fish, primarily occupying the middle and upper areas of the aquarium. Males may display to each other, extending their fins to impress females or establish a loose hierarchy, but this rarely leads to serious aggression.
Compatible fish for the White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Thanks to their peaceful temperament and their requirements for cold or temperate water, the White Cloud Mountain Minnow has a good list of compatible fish:
- Other small, peaceful cold/temperate water fish: Zebra Danios (especially varieties like pearl or leopard danios), Rosy Barbs (if the aquarium is large enough), Corydoras paleatus or aeneus (which tolerate cooler ranges), some temperate water Killifish.
- Invertebrates: Shrimp like Red Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi) and snails (Planorbis, Melanoides, Neritina) are generally safe, although very small shrimp fry might be preyed upon.
- Peaceful bottom dwellers: Otocinclus, if parameters are suitable.
Species to avoid
- Large or aggressive fish: Any fish large enough to swallow a White Cloud Mountain Minnow or that is territorial and aggressive (like many cichlids, large goldfish, or comets) should be avoided.
- Fish that require high tropical temperatures: Keeping White Cloud Mountain Minnows with species like Discus, Rams, or Bettas is not ideal due to temperature differences.
- Very active or fin-nipping fish: Some larger barbs or very nippy tetras could stress them or damage their fins, especially those of the long-finned varieties.
Diseases
Although robust, they can be susceptible to common aquarium fish diseases if stressed or in poor conditions:
- Ich or White Spot Disease (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis): Small white spots on the body and fins. It is treated by slightly raising the temperature (carefully, no more than 22-23°C or 72-73°F for them) and using commercial anti-ich medications.
- Columnaris (Cotton mouth disease): Cottony lesions on the mouth, fins, or body. Requires treatment with specific antibiotics.
- Fin Rot: Fraying or loss of tissue on the fins, often caused by poor water quality or stress. Improve water conditions and, in severe cases, use antibacterial treatments.
- Internal or external parasites (like Lernaea or Argulus): Less common in well-maintained aquariums but can occur. They require specific anti-parasitic treatments.
If any sign of disease appears, it is crucial to act quickly. Isolate the sick fish in a hospital tank if possible and treat according to the diagnosed disease.
Why choose the White Cloud Mountain Minnow for Your aquarium? Advantages and benefits
The White Cloud Mountain Minnow remains a favorite in fishkeeping for many good reasons:
- Ideal for Beginners: Its hardiness and adaptability make it very forgiving of common novice mistakes.
- Perfect for Cold Water Aquariums: Does not require a heater in most temperate climates.
- Peaceful and Community-Oriented: Excellent companion for other small, calm fish.
- Easy to Feed: Accepts a wide range of foods.
- Easy to Breed: Offers a rewarding breeding experience.
- Active and Attractive: A school of White Cloud Mountain Minnows adds life and color to any aquarium.
- Small Size: Suitable for moderately sized aquariums.
- Importance in Conservation: By keeping and breeding White Cloud Mountain Minnows from responsible sources, you indirectly contribute to the appreciation of a species that has faced challenges in the wild.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the White Cloud Mountain Minnow (Tanichthys albonubes)
How long does a White Cloud Mountain Minnow live?
With good care, a White Cloud Mountain Minnow can live for 3 to 5 years, sometimes even longer.
Does the White Cloud Mountain Minnow really need a heater?
Generally not. They prefer temperatures between 14-22°C (57-72°F). Only if the ambient temperature of your home consistently drops below this range might one adjusted to a minimum be necessary.
How many White Cloud Mountain Minnows should I have at a minimum?
A minimum school of 6-8 individuals is recommended so they feel secure and display their natural behavior. More is better.
What do White Cloud Mountain Minnow fry eat?
Newly hatched fry need very fine foods like infusoria, then newly hatched brine shrimp nauplii and microworms as they grow.
Is the White Cloud Mountain Minnow an aggressive fish?
No, the White Cloud Mountain Minnow is a very peaceful fish. Any “aggression” is usually harmless displaying between males.
What is the difference between the White Cloud Mountain Minnow and the Neon Tetra?
They are completely different species. The White Cloud Mountain Minnow (Tanichthys albonubes) is an Asian cyprinid from cold/temperate water. The Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi) is a South American characin that requires warmer, softer tropical water. Their color patterns also differ, although both have an iridescent stripe.
Can I keep White Cloud Mountain Minnows in an outdoor pond?
Yes, in temperate climates where the water does not freeze solid or overheat in summer, White Cloud Mountain Minnows can thrive in small ponds, especially if they are well-planted to offer protection from predators and direct sun.
Conclusions
The White Cloud Mountain Minnow (Tanichthys albonubes) is much more than just a beginner fish. It is a species with a fascinating history, subtle beauty, and resilience that have made it a pillar of fishkeeping for generations. Its ease of care, adaptability to unheated aquariums, peaceful behavior, and the relative simplicity of breeding it make it a valuable and rewarding addition for any hobbyist.
By providing them with a suitable environment, a varied diet, and the company of their own kind, you will be rewarded with the vibrant spectacle of a school of these aquatic “shooting stars,” adding a touch of elegance and dynamism to your aquarium. We hope this comprehensive guide has provided you with all the necessary information about the White Cloud Mountain Minnow, its care, feeding, breeding, and how to create the perfect aquarium for them. Enjoy the wonderful experience of keeping the White Cloud Mountain Minnow!
Bibliographical References
Chen Guozhu, Fang Zhanqiang, Ma Guangzhi. Embryonic development of Tanichthys albonubes Zhongguo Shui Chan ke xue = Journal of Fishery Sciences of China. 2004 ;11(6):489-497.
Jin, J., Li, C., & Zhao, J. (2022). Descriptions of six new species in White Cloud Mountain minnow Tanichthys albonubes complex (Cypriniformes: Tanichthyidae) in southern China. Journal of Fish Biology, 100(4), 1062-1087. https://doi.org/10.1111/jfb.15012
Li, J. T., Lin, X. T., Zhou, C. H., Zeng, P., Xu, Z. N., & Sun, J. (2016). Sexual dimorphism and its relationship with swimming performance in Tanichthys albonubes under laboratory conditions. Ying Yong Sheng tai xue bao= The Journal of Applied Ecology, 27(5), 1639-1646.
Li, C., Zhong, S., Jin, J., Xiao, H., Wang, J., & Zhao, J. (2022). Full-Length Transcriptome Data for the White Cloud Mountain Minnow (Tanichthys albonubes) From a Wild Population Based on Isoform Sequencing. Frontiers in Marine Science, 9, 831148. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2022.831148
Li, C., Xiao, H., Zhang, X., Lin, H., Elmer, K. R., & Zhao, J. (2023). Deep genome-wide divergences among species in White Cloud Mountain minnow Tanichthys albonubes (Cypriniformes: Tanichthyidae) complex: Conservation and species management implications. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 182, 107734. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ympev.2023.107734
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Zhang, X., Zhu, Q., & Zhao, J. (2017). Geometric morphometric analysis of body-form variability in populations of Tanichthys albonubes. Journal of Fisheries of China, 41(9), 1365-1373.
Zhanqiang, F., Guozhu, C., & Guangzhi, M. (2006). Post–embryonic development of Tanichthys albonubes. Zhongguo Shui Chan ke xue= Journal of Fishery Sciences of China, 13(6), 869-877.
Zhao, J, Hsu, K-C, Luo, J-Z, et al. Genetic diversity and population history of Tanichthys albonubes (Teleostei: Cyprinidae): Implications for conservation. Aquatic Conserv: Mar Freshw Ecosyst. 2018; 28: 422– 434. https://doi.org/10.1002/aqc.2840
Editor at the digital magazine AquaHoy. He holds a degree in Aquaculture Biology from the National University of Santa (UNS) and a Master’s degree in Science and Innovation Management from the Polytechnic University of Valencia, with postgraduate diplomas in Business Innovation and Innovation Management. He possesses extensive experience in the aquaculture and fisheries sector, having led the Fisheries Innovation Unit of the National Program for Innovation in Fisheries and Aquaculture (PNIPA). He has served as a senior consultant in technology watch, an innovation project formulator and advisor, and a lecturer at UNS. He is a member of the Peruvian College of Biologists and was recognized by the World Aquaculture Society (WAS) in 2016 for his contribution to aquaculture.
