Vietnamese Cardinal Minnow

Tanichthys micagemmae was described from spring-fed streams in Quang Binh province, Vietnam. It closely resembles Tanichthys albonubes but displays a broader, more intensely red lateral band and more vivid overall colouration. It inhabits cool, clear, well-oxygenated spring streams and adapts well to unheated or mildly heated aquaria. A peaceful schooler and excellent alternative to the White Cloud for nano planted tanks.

Water: 16–22°C, pH 6.5–7.5, soft to moderately hard (GH 5–15); well-oxygenated. Tank: 40 L minimum; planted nano setup with gentle flow. Feeding: Omnivore; micro-pellets, small flake, frozen daphnia, and brine shrimp nauplii. Behaviour: Peaceful schooler; keep in groups of 8+; relatively shy and best appreciated without boisterous tankmates. Compatibility: Excellent with other cool-water nano fish; White Cloud Mountain Minnows, small corydoras, and micro rasboras.