24K White Cloud Mountain Minnow (Tanichthys albonubes '24K') Care Guide

The 24K White Cloud Mountain Minnow is a dazzling, golden variant of the classic White Cloud Mountain Minnow, known for its vibrant yellow-gold coloration that makes it stand out in any aquarium. This variety, sometimes referred to as the “Gold White Cloud” or "24K White Cloud," shares the same hardy nature and peaceful temperament as its original form, making it an excellent choice for beginners and experienced aquarists alike. In this guide, we’ll explore the origin, tank setup, diet, and care requirements of the 24K White Cloud Mountain Minnow.

Origin and Natural Habitat

The original White Cloud Mountain Minnow, Tanichthys albonubes, is native to the cool, fast-flowing mountain streams of southeastern China, specifically near White Cloud Mountain in Guangdong Province. While wild populations are now endangered due to habitat loss, the species has become widely available in the aquarium trade due to captive breeding. The 24K variant is a selectively bred color morph, not found in the wild, but it retains the same resilient and adaptable traits that make it suitable for various tank conditions.

Appearance and Size

The 24K White Cloud Mountain Minnow displays a striking yellow-gold body with a shimmering, metallic quality. Its fins are tinged with red, and it often has a distinctive iridescent blue stripe running along its body. Adult 24K White Clouds grow up to 1.5 inches (4 cm) in length, making them a small and manageable species suitable for nano tanks or as part of a larger community setup.

Tank Setup and Care Requirements

Tank Size

While White Cloud Mountain Minnows can live in tanks as small as 10 gallons, a 20-gallon tank or larger is recommended if you’re keeping a school. These fish are active swimmers, so more space will allow them to display their best behavior and color.

Filtration and Water Quality

A standard aquarium filter that provides gentle to moderate flow is ideal. The 24K White Cloud can tolerate a range of water conditions, but maintaining clean, well-oxygenated water is crucial for their health. Weekly water changes of about 20-30% will help keep the water quality stable.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 64-72°F (18-22°C) — they prefer cooler water, so avoid temperatures above 75°F for prolonged periods.
• pH: 6.0-8.0
• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (5-15 dGH)

The cooler temperature requirement of the 24K White Cloud makes it compatible with unheated or lightly heated tanks, but if kept with other tropical species, be mindful not to overheat the water.

Tank Décor

Provide a natural setting with plenty of plants, rocks, and driftwood to mimic their native habitat. Live plants, such as Anubias, Java Fern, and floating plants like Duckweed, will create a visually appealing setup and provide hiding spots. They appreciate open swimming areas, so avoid over-cluttering the tank.

Lighting

Moderate lighting enhances the 24K White Cloud's golden color and allows plants to thrive without stressing the fish.

Diet and Feeding

24K White Cloud Mountain Minnows are omnivores and are easy to feed, accepting a variety of foods. A balanced diet will keep them healthy and enhance their coloration. Feed them small portions once or twice a day, and avoid overfeeding to maintain water quality. Their diet can include:

• High-quality flake or micro pellet food: Formulated for small fish, this can be their main food source.
• Frozen or live food: Brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms are excellent protein-rich treats.
• Vegetable matter: Occasional blanched spinach or spirulina-based foods help provide fiber.

Behavior and Tank Mates

24K White Clouds are peaceful, active schooling fish. They are happiest in groups of at least 6-8 individuals, as this will reduce stress and encourage natural schooling behavior. In a well-planned community tank, they can peacefully coexist with other small, non-aggressive fish.

Ideal Tank Mates

• Other White Cloud Mountain Minnows: Different color morphs can coexist, creating a beautiful display.
• Tetras: Neon Tetras, Ember Tetras, and Cardinal Tetras have similar requirements and make compatible companions.
• Rasboras: Harlequin and Chili Rasboras are peaceful and similarly sized.
• Danios: Zebra and Pearl Danios are compatible, as they enjoy similar cooler temperatures.
• Shrimp and Snails: Amano shrimp, Cherry shrimp, and Nerite snails make excellent tankmates for added variety.

Avoid larger or aggressive species that might see the minnows as prey, as well as fin-nipping species like Tiger Barbs that might disturb their peaceful nature.

Breeding

24K White Cloud Mountain Minnows are relatively easy to breed in a well-maintained aquarium. They are egg-scatterers, releasing their eggs among plants or spawning mops. To encourage breeding:

1. Set up a separate breeding tank with soft, acidic water and plenty of fine-leaved plants or spawning mops.
2. Feed the breeding pair high-quality live or frozen food to condition them.
3. After spawning, remove the adults to prevent them from eating the eggs.

The eggs will hatch within 48-60 hours, and the fry can be fed with infusoria or liquid fry food until they are large enough to eat powdered fish food or baby brine shrimp.

In Summary

The 24K White Cloud Mountain Minnow (Tanichthys albonubes '24K') is a captivating, hardy fish that can thrive in a range of tank setups. With its striking golden coloration and easy-going nature, it’s an ideal choice for hobbyists seeking an eye-catching fish that is easy to care for. By maintaining a cool, well-planted environment, feeding a balanced diet, and choosing compatible tank mates, you can enjoy the beauty and activity of these small, shimmering fish for years to come.