White Cloud Mountain Minnow - Golden - Tanichthys albonubes var. "Golden" : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
The Golden White Cloud Mountain Minnow is a cultivated variant of Tanichthys albonubes, are petite yet energetic fish that showcase a distinct blend of radiant colours. They bestow upon any aquarium an animated and lively ambience. These fish display a special colour pattern - their backs are graced with a golden-yellow shade, replacing the typical brownish-yellow of the original species. Additionally, instead of the silvery-blue and golden stripe, they feature a full-bodied golden shimmer that extends from their eyes to the tail. Their brilliant white abdomen and yellow fins amplify their stunning appearance. As an extra visual delight, they retain the red-coloured medial side on the fluke, similar to their non-golden counterparts.
Golden White Cloud Mountain Minnows are celebrated for their peaceful behaviour. They are also robust and low-maintenance, traits that make them an outstanding choice for novices in the aquarium hobby. Their small stature and agreeable nature with other tank inhabitants enhance their appeal among aquarists. It's easy to understand why they're a preferred option for those wishing to infuse a touch of golden glamour and liveliness into their aquarium.
White Cloud Mountain Minnow - Golden Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Identifying the sex of Golden White Cloud Mountain Minnows is a straightforward process. The females of this variety can be distinguished by their bulkier, more rounded abdomens. In contrast, the males exhibit a more slender build accompanied by a more intense golden colouration, setting them apart from their female counterparts.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Tanichthys albonubes var. "Golden" |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1932 |
| Other Names | Meteor Minnow, Golden White Cloud, Chinese danio |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Cypriniformes |
| Family | Cyprinidae |
| Genus | Tanichthys |
| Origins | |
| Max Size | 4 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Middle - Top |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 6+ |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Scatterer |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 7 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 6.0 - 8.0 |
| GH | 5 - 19 |
| KH | 2 - 6 |
| ℉ | 60 - 72 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 15 - 22 |
Natural Habitat
Golden White Cloud Mountain Minnows, a variety bred in captivity, do not naturally occur in the wild. The original White Cloud Mountain Minnows were first discovered in the waters north of Central Guangzhou and Guangdong Province in China. Regrettably, due to severe water pollution, they have now gone extinct in their native habitats. However, with proper care and attention, you can recreate a thriving environment for the Golden variant right within your home aquarium.
Much like their natural counterparts, Golden Mountain Minnows flourish in slow-moving, clear, and shallow waters. They favour habitats that boast dense vegetation and rocky substrates, providing not just food but also shelter, rest, and hiding spots – effectively mimicking the conditions of their original habitats.
Introducing Golden Mountain Minnows to your home aquarium serves dual purposes. It not only allows you to appreciate their unique golden beauty but also contributes to the broader conservation efforts for these creatures. So don't hesitate, add a touch of China's aquatic charm to your home with these golden delights.
Breeding
Breeding Golden White Cloud Mountain Minnows in a home aquarium is regarded as a relatively uncomplicated venture, a testament to their adaptable and resilient nature. One of the factors that simplifies their breeding process is their lack of parental care for the eggs or fry. This unique characteristic allows aquarists to manage the breeding process without the complexity of dealing with parental involvement.
To breed these golden minnows successfully, certain prerequisites need to be fulfilled. First and foremost, a well-settled aquarium with the appropriate water parameters is fundamental. Furthermore, a densely vegetated area featuring preferred plants like Java Moss is crucial for creating a suitable breeding environment.
After the fertilization process, the eggs usually hatch within a timeframe of two to three days. During this critical period, the fry instinctively hide within the plant foliage, providing them with a safe and concealed haven.
Maintaining subdued lighting in the aquarium throughout the breeding process is also essential. This helps create a serene and stress-free environment for the fish, thereby facilitating successful breeding.
Diet & Feeding
Golden White Cloud Mountain Minnows are omnivores and have a broad dietary acceptance, ready to consume a diverse array of foods. To ensure their optimal health and to maintain their lustrous golden colouration, it's advisable to offer them a well-balanced diet. This should comprise high-quality flakes or pellets, complemented with small, live, or frozen foods such as Daphnia, Artemia, and bloodworms.
In addition to these, the diet of Golden White Cloud Mountain Minnows should also include plant-based food options. Their inclination towards plant matter is attributed to their natural eating habits in the wild. Providing algae or other plant-based foods can help simulate their natural dietary patterns, thus fostering their well-being and overall health.
