White Cloud Mountain Minnow

Care

White Cloud Mountain Minnows are an ideal species for the smaller temperate aquarium. They should be maintained in groups of 6 or more fish due to their shoaling nature, and kept with other peaceful species that are tolerant of cooler temperatures (e.g. Variatus Platies, Rosy barbs etc). White Cloud Mountain Minnows actually make better candidates for the popular small ‘coldwater starter aquariums’ when situated in centrally-heated homes, as they will not outgrow the aquarium, unlike goldfish. The aquarium should have a good amount of planting to the sides and back with an open swimming area in the centre. A moderate flow rate should be provided. Although often sold to accompany goldfish and fancy goldfish, they will become a snack once the goldfish reach a certain size, so this is not recommended. A beautiful golden variety is also available, as is a long-finned strain. This species can tolerate temperatures below 10c but only for brief periods as it lacks the reserves of larger fishes.

Feeding

Flake, micropellets, small frozen foods such as daphnia, baby brineshrimp, mosquito larvae, and cyclops.

Breeding

Easy to breed. For best results use a separate breeding aquarium with the temperature set between 20 and 22 deg C. The aquarium should be furnished with plenty of fine-leaved plants, upon which the female will scatter her eggs. After spawning, the parent fish should be removed, and the eggs should hatch after 36 hours. In heavily planted low-stocked tanks, this species breeds freely and a good amount of fry may well manage to survive on to adulthood.