White Cloud | Tanichthys albonubes
Cyprinds / White Cloud
Profile: White Cloud, White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes Synonyms: None
Physical description: An elongated species with an up-turned mouth. The back is dark olive brown as is the body, although the belly is white. A slender, lateral gold stripe extends from the eye to the caudal fin. Below this stripe, is a parallel blue-black line. An obvious spot is locate as on the caudal peduncle, and the caudal fin has a reddish wedge-shape. The anal, dorsal, and ventral fins have a broad yellow tip. """
Size/Length: 2" (5 cm)
Similar species: None
Habitat: China; Clear streams in White Cloud Mountains, near Canton.
S: All
Aquarium: A tank measuring 16" (41 cm) with a capacity of 5 gallons (19 L) is sufficient. The tank should be well-planted and have open-swimming areas.
Water chemistry: pH 6-8; 6-20 dH; 60-75°F (16-24°C)
Social behavior: A peaceful, schooling fish that can be combined with species that can tolerate lower water temperatures.
Suggested companions: Rosy Barb, Corydoras , Neons, Danios, Barbs, Red Phantom Tetra.
FOOD: Live; insects, Brine Shrimp, Daphnia, Tubifex, insect larvae; flakes.
SEX: The male is slimmer and more colorful
Breeding techniques: Use breeding tank with lots of plants and a water temperature from 68-72°F (20-22°C). Spawning takes place when the male curls the rear part of his body around the female. The eggs are attached to plants. Remove parents after eggs are laid. If the parents are well fed, they will not eat the eggs. Sometimes fertilized eggs will be ignored. The fry hatch after 36-40 hours and they grow rapidly. Feed them with paramecia and liquid foods. In well planted, sparsely populated tank, some young will usually survive until adult-hood.
Breeding potential: 4. An easily bred, prolific species.
Remarks: There are several different color varieties. Do not keep the water temperature higher than 77°F (25°C) for their colors fade. The young have better colors. The White Cloud was first called the "Working Man's Neon" or the "Poor Man's Neon" in the 40's and 50's because Neon Tetras were very expensive while the White Cloud was not. The White Cloud is said to have been discovered on the White Cloud Mountain near Canton by a Chinese boy scout named Tan. Thus the genus name Tanichthys originates from his name while the species name, albonubes, means "white cloud." Selectively bred forms are known, differing in color and fin size.
Difficulty of care: 1. A robust species that should be kept in cooler waters.