White cloud minnows (Tanichthys albonubes), like all true minnows, are members of the family Cyprinids, more commonly known as the carp family. White clouds are a primarily cold-water species native to China. They were first discovered in the 1930s on White Cloud Mountain in China’s Guangdong province, leader of the Boy Scouts, Tan. The genius named after the white cloud little fish, Tanichthys, literally translates to Tan fish.
Unfortunately, White Cloud Mountain’s popularity as a tourist attraction and overfishing for the burgeoning aquarium trade industry of the post-WWII era soon led to the demise of native populations in the region. From 1980 to 2001 not a single sighting of this species was reported. The white cloud minnow was feared to be extinct. But at a time when man’s invasion of native habitats threatens the very existence of many species, nature persevered, at least in the case of the white cloud minnow. As these minnows struggled for their own existence atop White Cloud Mountain, additional populations were discovered in isolated regions along the coastal areas of Guangdong and in Northeast Vietnam’s Quang Ninh Province. In 2007, an established population of this species was found on Hainan Island, an island south of Guandong province. This discovery indicates that Hainan Island and Guangdong Province were landlocked at some point in the distant past. White cloud minnows are currently on the list of endangered species in the wild by the Chinese government. All white clouds available for sale in the aquarium industry are grown commercially.
Like all minnows, this is a relatively small species. White clouds only grow to a maximum length of 1.5 inches. These minnows achieved immense popularity in the 1940s and 1950s. So much so that they earned the nickname “Poor’s Neon Tetra” because they were much more reasonably priced than their more colorful and expensive counterparts. Even to this day, white cloud minnows are commonly traded under the White Cloud Tetras label. They are also sold under the names Cardinal fish, Canton and China Danio even though they are not related to the danio breeds.
In their wild habitat, white cloud minnows are genetically identical. The interbreeding of what is known as the Golden Cloud produced a longer-finned variation called the Meteor Minnow. Further genetic manipulation between the two led to the development of the Golden Meteor Minnow. A final genetic deviation from this species resulted in a minnow devoid of much of the natural pigmentation of the parent species, the Blonde Cloud.
Regardless of genetic variation, white clouds are extremely hardy fish. They are an excellent choice for first time aquarium owners. Their ability to thrive in a multitude of environmental conditions makes them the ideal starter fish for cycling new aquariums. These minnows are a cold water species by nature. Although they can survive in temperatures as low as 41 ° F, they thrive in the 64-72 ° F range. This makes them the ideal candidate for unheated aquariums and regular fish tanks. Despite their cold-water nature, these minnows can easily withstand the slightly higher water temperatures of a standard tropical aquarium community tank. A pH level between 6.0 and 8.0 is perfectly acceptable. White clouds have a half-life of 3-5 years in captivity.
This species does well in a community aquarium as long as they are housed with tankmates of similar size. It should be noted that the white clouds are schools of fish. They will adapt better to their new environment if you are introduced to them in groups of no fewer than five. When kept as a single species specimen, it is common for this minnow to become very shy by nature. The unnecessary stress of a lonely existence will often result in a noticeable reduction in brightness in the color palette. In an aquarium environment, these minnows are top to mid-level swimmers. They rarely venture to the bottom of an aquarium.
In nature, white clouds are carnivorous. Their diet is made up of small insects, worms, and crustaceans. In captivity, this species will readily accept the standard garden variety fish fee. However, high-protein supplements will help maintain your overall health, coloration, and ensure longevity.
Males are usually slimmer than females. In specimens in which the natural color pigment has not been removed, the red coloration is more vibrant in males.
Baby white cloud minnows
This species will reach sexual maturity between 6 and 12 months. Adult males typically flare their fins and engage in a mating courtship ritual dance to attract the attention of females. It is common for males to try to outbid each other in search of a female during the mating cycle. Before breeding, males often bite each other, but this display of aggression rarely manifests itself in an all-out skirmish.
Spawning is best suited for a rearing tank to protect unborn eggs and newborn fry from possible predation. A breeding tank as small as 5 gallons will suffice. You can select a single mature pair if you wish. However, since the aggression of the males does not have serious consequences, you can place two or three males in the breeding tank with an equal or greater number of females and let nature take its course.
A pH balance of 6.5-7.5 with a temperature range of 68-75 ° F is conducive to starting the breeding cycle. You must also provide an adequate supply of Java dough as a spawning medium.
Females will lay as few as a dozen or even a couple hundred eggs during spawning. The eggs will hatch in about two days. White cloud minnows are not characterized by eating their eggs or young. Some can be eaten, but many will survive. Therefore, removing the adults from the breeding tank after spawning is purely discretionary.
In a few days, the fry will swim freely. Newborn fry can be fed infusuria or luqifry. In a week, your diet can be changed to finely ground brine shrimp or fish flakes. The fry will grow to 1/2 inch in the first three months and will reach full adult size in one year.