Vietnamese White Cloud (Tanichthys micagemmae) Breeding Guide

Tanichthys micagemmae is an easy cool-water egg-scatterer that spawns in pairs along plants and ignores its eggs in a well-planted tank.

Overview

The Vietnamese White Cloud, Tanichthys micagemmae, is a small mountain minnow described by Freyhof and Herder in 2001 from a tributary of the Bến Hải River in Quảng Bình Province, Vietnam. According to Wikipedia, it differs from the better-known White Cloud (T. albonubes) by lighter colouration of the lower body and a more centred lateral stripe. It is a peaceful schooling species best kept in groups.

Sexing

Wikipedia notes that mature males develop spectacular elongated dorsal and anal fins, and that males engage in harmless territorial displays. These extended fins are the main external cue for distinguishing males from the plainer-finned females.

Breeding Setup

A well-planted aquarium with stable cool water is the key requirement. Wikipedia reports optimal conditions of 19-23 °C and softer water around 37-142 ppm. Dense planting provides the spawning sites and the cover that lets eggs and fry survive among the adults.

Spawning Behavior & Trigger

Like T. albonubes, this species spawns in pairs along plants. Wikipedia states that in a well-planted aquarium adults do not seek out their eggs nor harm juveniles, so an established group will maintain itself indefinitely under suitable conditions, with successive generations appearing without intervention.

Egg & Fry Care

Because the adults ignore both eggs and juveniles, dedicated egg removal is not strictly required in a heavily planted tank; fry hide among the vegetation. To raise larger numbers, eggs or fry can be reared separately and offered very fine first foods once free-swimming.