Vietnamese White Cloud Mountain Minnow

Tanichthys micagemmae was described in 2001 from streams in northern Vietnam and is the closest relative of the classic White Cloud Mountain Minnow. It is slightly slimmer-bodied and the neon stripe tends to be more electric-blue in live fish.

Care requirements overlap substantially with T. albonubes, though the Vietnamese species comes from slightly warmer highland streams and may be marginally less cold-tolerant at the lower end. It thrives between 16–22°C and benefits from good oxygenation.

Keep in schools of eight or more to see the full schooling display. This species is less commonly available than the classic White Cloud, making it a sought-after choice for temperate nano enthusiasts.

Water: 16–22°C, pH 6.0–7.5, GH 2–12, well-oxygenated with gentle to moderate flow. Tank: minimum 40 L, dense planting with open midwater lane for schooling behaviour. Feeding: omnivore — micro-pellets, quality flake, frozen cyclops and daphnia. Breeding: egg-scatterer similar to T. albonubes; spawns among fine-leaved plants or mops. Compatibility: peaceful; ideal with other small temperate species, hillstream loaches, and shrimp.