Gold White Cloud Mountain Minnow (Tanichthys albonubes "Gold")

The Gold White Cloud Mountain Minnow is a stunning golden colour variant of one of the most popular and reliable freshwater fish in the aquarium hobby. Hardy, peaceful, and full of personality, this beautiful schooling fish is an excellent choice for community, nano, and planted aquariums.

Originally native to the White Cloud Mountain region of southern China, the White Cloud Mountain Minnow has been tank-bred for many generations and is renowned for its adaptability. Despite being common in the aquarium hobby, the species is considered endangered in its natural habitat, making captive breeding an important part of its conservation.

The Gold variety features brilliant golden-yellow body colouration accented by vibrant red fins, creating a dazzling display as it schools through the aquarium. These active fish primarily occupy the upper and middle levels of the tank but will happily explore all areas while feeding.

Gold White Cloud Mountain Minnows are exceptionally peaceful and are ideal companions for other small community fish, ornamental shrimp, hillstream loaches, Stiphodon gobies, and other cool-water species. While they are generally safe with adult shrimp, they may occasionally eat very small shrimp fry.

For the best colour, confidence, and natural behaviour, they should always be kept in schools of at least 6–8 fish, with groups of 10 or more providing the most impressive display.

Feeding

Gold White Cloud Mountain Minnows are omnivores and thrive on a varied diet. Feed a quality micro pellet or flake as their staple food, supplemented with frozen or live foods such as baby brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops, microworms, bloodworms, and Tubifex. Spirulina-based foods and other vegetable matter are also beneficial for maintaining excellent health and colour.

Why We Like This Fish

• Brilliant gold body with vibrant red fins
• Peaceful and ideal for community aquariums
• Hardy and beginner-friendly
• Excellent for planted and nano aquariums
• Thrives in cooler water, making it perfect for unheated aquariums

Recommended Tank Parameters

• Temperature: 14–22°C
• pH: 6.0–8.5
• KH: 2–15 dKH
• Minimum Aquarium Size: 40–60 litres
• Group Size: 6–8 or more individuals

Care Information

• Diet: Omnivore – accepts high-quality flakes, micro pellets, frozen, and live foods.
• Temperament: Peaceful.
• Social Behaviour: Schooling species that should always be kept in groups.
• Origin: Tank-bred colour variety of Tanichthys albonubes. Native to White Cloud Mountain, Guangdong Province, China.
• Maximum Size: Approximately 3–4 cm.
• Tank Level: Upper to middle.

Compatibility: Excellent with other peaceful community fish, including small rasboras, danios, Corydoras, hillstream loaches, Stiphodon gobies, and ornamental shrimp. Avoid keeping them with large or aggressive fish that may view them as food.

Please note: Sample photos are for reference only. Colour, size, and markings may vary slightly as each fish is unique.