Tanichthys albonubes Standard

Tanichthys albonubes, the White Cloud Mountain Minnow, is one of the most beloved and widely kept small aquarium fish in the world. Discovered in the White Cloud Mountains of Guangdong Province, China, it became famous for surviving in outdoor garden ponds in temperate climates as well as indoor aquaria. The standard captive-bred form features a vivid neon-blue lateral stripe, a bold red patch in the dorsal and caudal fins, and a generally striking appearance for such a small fish. It is famously tolerant of cold water down to around 5 °C for short periods, making it ideal for cool-room, office, or unheated aquaria. It breeds very readily and is a popular choice for beginners learning egg-scattering fish breeding techniques. An ideal starter fish and long-term favourite.

Water: Temperature 14–22 °C, pH 6.0–8.0, GH 5–15; very tolerant; cool water strongly preferred. Tank: 30 L minimum; any planted community setup; works in unheated tanks in temperate rooms. Feeding: Flake, micro-pellet, frozen daphnia and cyclops; accepts virtually all small foods. Breeding: Very prolific egg-scatterer; spawns over Java moss or spawning mop; fry easy to raise on commercial fry food. Compatibility: Ideal community fish; peaceful with all similarly sized species; avoids fin-nipping.