Description
Clown Mountain Minnow / White Cloud Mountain Minnow (Tanichthys albonubes)
📌 Basic Info
Scientific Name: Tanichthys albonubes
Common Name: Clown Mountain Minnow / White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Size: ~1.5 inches (4 cm)
Lifespan: 3 – 5 years
Tank Zone: Middle to top swimmers
🌊 Water Parameters
TDS (Total Dissolved Solids): 100 – 300 ppm
pH: 6.0 – 8.0
Temperature: 16°C – 24°C (61°F – 75°F) → can tolerate cooler water
Water Type: Soft to moderately hard, very adaptable
🐟 Characteristics
Small, peaceful schooling fish with a shimmering body and red fins
Known as the “Poor Man’s Neon” due to its glowing colors
Extremely hardy → great for beginners and unheated aquariums
Active and playful, perfect for nano tanks and community tanks
🍽️ Food
Type: Omnivorous
Diet: Flakes, micro-pellets, crushed granules, frozen/live foods (brine shrimp, daphnia, mosquito larvae)
Feeding Frequency: 1–2 times daily, in small portions
🛠️ Maintenance
Weekly water change: 20–30%
Can be kept in unheated tanks (room temperature)
Provide plants and open swimming areas
Hardy and low-maintenance, perfect starter fish
👥 Social Behavior
Minimum Group Size: 6 (better in 10+)
Tank Mates: Peaceful fish – small danios, rasboras, guppies, shrimp, snails
Avoid: Large or aggressive fish (cichlids, bettas, fin-nippers)
✅ Do’s
Keep them in schools for best colors and behavior
Use planted tanks or floating plants to reduce stress
Ideal for cool water setups without a heater
❌ Don’ts
Don’t keep them alone or in very small groups
Don’t place with aggressive tank mates
Don’t overheat → they dislike tropical temperatures above 26°C
⭐ Quick Tips
One of the best beginner fish, very hardy and colorful
Can live without a heater, making it unique among small aquarium fish
Peaceful, schooling, and perfect for planted nano aquariums
