Vietnamese White Cloud (Tanichthys micagemmae) Care Guide
Tanichthys micagemmae is a small Vietnamese relative of the White Cloud with an iridescent lateral stripe, kept as a peaceful cool-water schooler.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
The Vietnamese White Cloud (Tanichthys micagemmae) is a small cyprinoid minnow and a close relative of the White Cloud Mountain minnow. It carries an iridescent lateral stripe, and it differs from Tanichthys albonubes in its lighter lower body and the more central position of that stripe. Some older males develop elongated dorsal and anal fins.
Taxonomy
- Family: Tanichthyidae
- Genus: Tanichthys
- Scientific name: Tanichthys micagemmae
- Related species: Tanichthys albonubes (White Cloud Mountain minnow)
Habitat
The species is native to Vietnam, described from a tributary of the Bến Hải River in Quảng Bình Province. It is a freshwater fish that prefers cool, soft water, reported around 19-23 °C with low mineral content.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 40 L
- Temperature: 18-24 °C (64-75 °F)
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- GH: 4-15 °dGH
- School size: 6 or more individuals (8-10 preferred)
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
Diet
Like its relatives it is a small omnivore. It accepts good quality dried foods in the aquarium, ideally supplemented with small live and frozen foods such as Daphnia and Artemia, fed about twice daily.
Compatibility
It is a peaceful schooling fish that should be housed with at least eight to ten of its own kind for the best behaviour. Males constantly but harmlessly challenge one another. It suits a calm cool-water community and should not be kept with tropical heat-loving species.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Data Deficient. Most aquarium stock is captive bred.
Vietnamese White Cloud (Tanichthys micagemmae) Breeding Guide
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.