Gold Tanichthys

The Gold Tanichthys is a selectively bred colour variety of the White Cloud Mountain Minnow (Tanichthys albonubes) in which the normal silver-green body colouration has been replaced by a warm golden-yellow hue. The species' distinctive red anterior fin marking and white lateral stripe are retained, creating a fish that is arguably more striking than the wild type.

Like all White Cloud Mountain Minnows, the Gold form thrives in cool water — an unheated aquarium in a temperate room may be ideal, and the species should never be kept at tropical temperatures above 22°C for extended periods. It is one of the most adaptable and forgiving coldwater fish available, tolerating a wide pH range and moderate hardness without difficulty.

The Gold Tanichthys is suitable for outdoor tubs in warmer months in temperate climates, and makes an excellent pond fish in protected situations. Indoors, a cool planted tank with a tight lid (as the species is a jumper) provides the best environment.

Water: Temperature 14–22°C, pH 6.0–8.0, GH 5–20; avoid temperatures above 24°C; thrives in cool, clean water with regular changes. Tank: Minimum 40 L; well-planted cool-water tank; secure lid essential; strong filtration not required but beneficial. Feeding: Omnivorous; flake, micro-pellets, and all frozen foods accepted; live daphnia and brine shrimp excellent for conditioning. Breeding: Easy egg-scatterer over plants or spawning mop; one of the easiest coldwater fish to breed; fry straightforward to raise on micro-foods. Compatibility: Peaceful with all cool-water species; avoids tropical fish tanks; good with hillstream loaches, Danio species, and cool-water rasboras.