Golden White Cloud Mountain Minnow

Golden White Cloud Mountain Minnow

Scientific Name: Tanichthys albonubes
Common Name: Golden White Cloud
Origin: Southern China and Vietnam
Adult Size: 1–1.5 inches (2.5–3.8 cm)
Lifespan: 4–6 years
Temperament: Peaceful, active, schooling
Swimming Zone: Top to midwater

Sales Description

The Golden White Cloud Mountain Minnow is a striking color morph of the classic White Cloud, developed for its shimmering pale gold body, red fins, and calm yet lively demeanor. These small, coldwater-compatible fish are ideal for nano tanks, unheated aquariums, and peaceful community setups. Their hardiness, beauty, and undemanding care requirements make them perfect for beginners and experienced aquarists alike.

Golden White Clouds thrive in groups and display natural schooling behavior when kept in schools of six or more. Their color intensifies with age, especially when housed in planted aquariums with a darker substrate and good water quality.

Care Guide

Golden White Clouds are extremely hardy and tolerate a wide range of conditions, though they show their best colors and behavior in clean, cooler water with consistent maintenance. A planted aquarium with open swimming space, gentle flow, and natural décor like rocks and driftwood helps them feel secure and encourages schooling. Floating plants or dappled lighting enhance their appearance and comfort.

They prefer cooler water temperatures, typically between 64–74°F (18–23°C), and are well-suited for unheated aquariums in climate-controlled environments. They do best in neutral to slightly alkaline water with a pH around 6.5 to 7.5. Weekly water changes of 20–30% are recommended to maintain water quality.

Golden White Clouds are omnivores with a strong appetite. They readily accept high-quality micro pellets, crushed flakes, and small granules. Supplement their diet with live or frozen foods like baby brine shrimp, daphnia, or bloodworms for improved coloration and breeding condition. They may also benefit from the occasional algae-based or plant-based food such as spirulina flakes or Repashy gel blends.

These fish are peaceful and get along well with other small, non-aggressive species. Ideal tankmates include small rasboras, endlers, small danios, otocinclus, and shrimp. Avoid housing them with large or fin-nipping species. They are best kept in groups of at least 6, though larger groups of 10 or more will result in more natural behavior and tighter schooling.

Breeding Notes

Golden White Clouds are easy to breed and often spawn in community tanks with no special conditions. They are egg scatterers and will deposit eggs among plants or in fine-leaved moss. Adults may eat the eggs or fry, so using a spawning mop or separating adults after spawning improves fry survival. Eggs typically hatch within 2–3 days, and fry can be raised on infusoria, green water, or finely powdered fry foods.

Available Now at Planted Aquaria

Bright, hardy, and peaceful, the Golden White Cloud Mountain Minnow is a perfect addition to coldwater aquariums, nano setups, or planted community tanks. Their vivid gold and red coloration stands out beautifully in natural aquascapes. Whether you're starting your first tank or looking for a unique schooling fish for a cooler setup, this variety delivers charm, color, and reliability.