White Cloud Mountain Minnow (Tanichthys albonubes) 2-3cm - The Ultimate Beginner Schooling Fish

Description

White Cloud Mountain Minnow (Tanichthys albonubes)

Hardy, peaceful and beautifully understated, the White Cloud Mountain Minnow is one of the best freshwater fish for beginners and experienced aquarists alike. Featuring shimmering silver-green bodies, flashes of red and gold, and constant schooling behaviour, these charming fish thrive in both tropical and cool-water aquariums.

Quick Facts

  • Scientific name: Tanichthys albonubes
  • Common name: White Cloud Mountain Minnow
  • Current size: Approximately 2–3 cm
  • Adult size: Approximately 3.5–4.5 cm
  • Tank size: 40L+ recommended
  • Difficulty: 🟢 Easy
  • Temperament: Peaceful and active
  • Minimum school: 8+ recommended

Is this for you?

✔️ Perfect if:

  • You're looking for one of the easiest fish to keep.
  • You enjoy peaceful schooling fish.
  • You have a planted aquarium or nano community tank.
  • You want a species that tolerates cooler temperatures.

❌ Avoid if:

  • You keep large predatory fish.
  • You plan to keep only one or two individuals.
  • Your aquarium has aggressive or fin-nipping species.
  • You want a fish for very warm tropical aquariums above 28°C.

Why choose White Cloud Mountain Minnows?

Often referred to as the "poor man's Neon Tetra", the White Cloud Mountain Minnow is admired for its shimmering body, vibrant red fins and brilliant gold stripe that glows under aquarium lighting. Despite its modest size, it creates a spectacular display when kept in a large school.

Native to the cool mountain streams of southern China, this species is remarkably adaptable and thrives in a wide range of aquarium conditions. Their peaceful nature makes them ideal companions for shrimp, small catfish and other gentle community fish.

Unlike many tropical species, White Cloud Mountain Minnows prefer slightly cooler water, making them an excellent choice for unheated indoor aquariums in many climates or cooler tropical community tanks.

Benefits

  • Extremely hardy and beginner friendly
  • Beautiful natural colours with shimmering highlights
  • Excellent schooling behaviour
  • Suitable for cool-water and tropical aquariums
  • Peaceful community fish
  • Ideal for planted aquariums and nano setups

Care made simple

  • Temperature: 18–24°C (can tolerate up to 26°C)
  • pH: 6.0–8.0
  • Diet: Quality micro pellets, crushed flakes, frozen foods and live foods
  • Water: Clean, stable and well-filtered with gentle water movement
  • Substrate: Sand or fine gravel
  • Setup: Planted aquarium with open swimming space and some floating plants
  • Keep them in schools of at least eight for the best colour and natural behaviour.
  • Regular water changes and a varied diet will keep colours bright and fish healthy.

Pairs perfectly with

  • Pygmy Corydoras
  • Kuhli Loaches
  • Cherry Shrimp
  • Celestial Pearl Danios
  • Otocinclus
NTA Insight:
White Cloud Mountain Minnows are one of the most underrated aquarium fish available. Their colours intensify dramatically when they're kept in larger schools, fed a varied diet and housed in a planted aquarium with slightly cooler water. Because they are peaceful and hardy, they are one of our favourite recommendations for beginners, classrooms and planted nano aquariums.

FAQ

Are White Cloud Mountain Minnows tropical fish?

They are often kept in tropical aquariums but naturally prefer cooler water than many tropical species. They thrive between 18–24°C and are ideal for cool-water community aquariums.

How many White Cloud Mountain Minnows should I keep?

They are schooling fish and should be kept in groups of at least eight. Larger schools produce more natural behaviour and stronger colouration.

Can they live with shrimp?

Yes. Adult freshwater shrimp are generally safe, although very small shrimplets may occasionally be eaten.

Are they suitable for beginners?

Absolutely. They are one of the hardiest freshwater fish available and are an excellent choice for first-time aquarists.

Do White Cloud Mountain Minnows breed easily?

Yes. In mature planted aquariums they often spawn naturally, scattering eggs amongst fine-leaved plants and mosses.

Can they live in an unheated aquarium?

Yes. In many indoor environments they thrive without a heater, provided temperatures remain within their preferred range and do not fluctuate dramatically.

How long do White Cloud Mountain Minnows live?

With excellent care and stable water conditions, they typically live between 3 and 5 years.

White Cloud Mountain Minnow (Tanichthys albonubes) 2-3cm - The Ultimate Beginner Schooling Fish

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SKU: WHITECLOUDS

Out of stock,  

$5.00


All prices include GST
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    Description

    White Cloud Mountain Minnow (Tanichthys albonubes)

    Hardy, peaceful and beautifully understated, the White Cloud Mountain Minnow is one of the best freshwater fish for beginners and experienced aquarists alike. Featuring shimmering silver-green bodies, flashes of red and gold, and constant schooling behaviour, these charming fish thrive in both tropical and cool-water aquariums.

    Quick Facts

    • Scientific name: Tanichthys albonubes
    • Common name: White Cloud Mountain Minnow
    • Current size: Approximately 2–3 cm
    • Adult size: Approximately 3.5–4.5 cm
    • Tank size: 40L+ recommended
    • Difficulty: 🟢 Easy
    • Temperament: Peaceful and active
    • Minimum school: 8+ recommended

    Is this for you?

    ✔️ Perfect if:

    • You're looking for one of the easiest fish to keep.
    • You enjoy peaceful schooling fish.
    • You have a planted aquarium or nano community tank.
    • You want a species that tolerates cooler temperatures.

    ❌ Avoid if:

    • You keep large predatory fish.
    • You plan to keep only one or two individuals.
    • Your aquarium has aggressive or fin-nipping species.
    • You want a fish for very warm tropical aquariums above 28°C.

    Why choose White Cloud Mountain Minnows?

    Often referred to as the "poor man's Neon Tetra", the White Cloud Mountain Minnow is admired for its shimmering body, vibrant red fins and brilliant gold stripe that glows under aquarium lighting. Despite its modest size, it creates a spectacular display when kept in a large school.

    Native to the cool mountain streams of southern China, this species is remarkably adaptable and thrives in a wide range of aquarium conditions. Their peaceful nature makes them ideal companions for shrimp, small catfish and other gentle community fish.

    Unlike many tropical species, White Cloud Mountain Minnows prefer slightly cooler water, making them an excellent choice for unheated indoor aquariums in many climates or cooler tropical community tanks.

    Benefits

    • Extremely hardy and beginner friendly
    • Beautiful natural colours with shimmering highlights
    • Excellent schooling behaviour
    • Suitable for cool-water and tropical aquariums
    • Peaceful community fish
    • Ideal for planted aquariums and nano setups

    Care made simple

    • Temperature: 18–24°C (can tolerate up to 26°C)
    • pH: 6.0–8.0
    • Diet: Quality micro pellets, crushed flakes, frozen foods and live foods
    • Water: Clean, stable and well-filtered with gentle water movement
    • Substrate: Sand or fine gravel
    • Setup: Planted aquarium with open swimming space and some floating plants
    • Keep them in schools of at least eight for the best colour and natural behaviour.
    • Regular water changes and a varied diet will keep colours bright and fish healthy.

    Pairs perfectly with

    • Pygmy Corydoras
    • Kuhli Loaches
    • Cherry Shrimp
    • Celestial Pearl Danios
    • Otocinclus
    NTA Insight:
    White Cloud Mountain Minnows are one of the most underrated aquarium fish available. Their colours intensify dramatically when they're kept in larger schools, fed a varied diet and housed in a planted aquarium with slightly cooler water. Because they are peaceful and hardy, they are one of our favourite recommendations for beginners, classrooms and planted nano aquariums.

    FAQ

    Are White Cloud Mountain Minnows tropical fish?

    They are often kept in tropical aquariums but naturally prefer cooler water than many tropical species. They thrive between 18–24°C and are ideal for cool-water community aquariums.

    How many White Cloud Mountain Minnows should I keep?

    They are schooling fish and should be kept in groups of at least eight. Larger schools produce more natural behaviour and stronger colouration.

    Can they live with shrimp?

    Yes. Adult freshwater shrimp are generally safe, although very small shrimplets may occasionally be eaten.

    Are they suitable for beginners?

    Absolutely. They are one of the hardiest freshwater fish available and are an excellent choice for first-time aquarists.

    Do White Cloud Mountain Minnows breed easily?

    Yes. In mature planted aquariums they often spawn naturally, scattering eggs amongst fine-leaved plants and mosses.

    Can they live in an unheated aquarium?

    Yes. In many indoor environments they thrive without a heater, provided temperatures remain within their preferred range and do not fluctuate dramatically.

    How long do White Cloud Mountain Minnows live?

    With excellent care and stable water conditions, they typically live between 3 and 5 years.

    Live Arrival & Ordering FAQ

    Why do livestock prices sometimes change?

    Unlike manufactured products, fish and shrimp continue to grow and develop over time. Their value changes as they increase in size, develop colour, or become breeding pairs.

    Our prices are based on the current size, quality and availability of each specimen. While pricing often remains stable for around 3–4 months, it may be updated at any time to reflect these changes.

    We always aim to offer healthy, high-quality livestock at fair and competitive prices.

    Do you offer a live arrival guarantee?

    Yes. All livestock is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.

    In the rare event of DOA, please contact us promptly with clear photos of the livestock in the original unopened bag.

    Please review our full DOA and store policies before purchase.

    Can you ship to all states in Australia?

    No. Due to state restrictions, we cannot ship livestock or live plants to WA and TAS.

    What should I check before ordering?

    Before placing an order, make sure:

    • Your tank is fully cycled and stable
    • Your aquarium has enough space for the species
    • Your current livestock are compatible in temperament, size, and requirements
    • Your water parameters, habitat, and temperature suit the species
    • You are not adding too many fish at once
    What should I expect when my fish arrives?

    It is normal for fish, shrimp, or snails to look pale, stressed, or less active after shipping.

    This is temporary. Most livestock will settle and regain colour within a few days.

    How long does it take for fish to settle in?

    Most livestock will take 3–7 days to fully adjust to their new environment.

    Should I feed my fish immediately after arrival?

    No. We recommend waiting 24 hours before feeding to allow them to settle.

    If you already have fish in your tank, feeding them before introducing new arrivals can help reduce stress.

    Why do fish sometimes struggle after being added to a tank?

    In most cases, issues are caused by tank conditions, not shipping.

    • Uncycled or unstable tanks
    • Poor water parameters
    • Overstocking
    • Unsuitable tank mates
    What is Nano Tanks Australia’s main tip for new livestock?

    Most livestock losses happen in immature or unstable tanks, not during shipping.

    If your setup is not fully established, the risk to new arrivals is significantly higher.

    Not sure if this fish is right for your setup?

    If you are unsure whether this species suits your setup, contact us before ordering and we’ll help point you in the right direction.

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