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.
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.