Vietnamese white cloud minnow 2.5cm

The Vietnamese White Cloud Minnow (Tanichthys micagemmae), also known as the Vietnamese Cardinal Minnow, is a charming and rare cousin of the classic White Cloud Mountain Minnow. Reaching about 2.5cm, this nano fish boasts an elegant slender body, iridescent silver-blue flanks, and reddish fins that bring subtle yet captivating color to any freshwater aquarium. Native to the cool, shaded streams of Vietnam, this species is peaceful, schooling, and adaptable—making it an excellent choice for beginner and experienced aquarists alike.

🔍 Key Features:

• Scientific Name: Tanichthys micagemmae

• Common Names: Vietnamese White Cloud, Vietnamese Cardinal Minnow

• Size: 2.5cm (can grow up to 3cm max)

• Lifespan: 3–5 years with good care

• Temperament: Peaceful, schooling

• Difficulty Level: Easy

• Origin: Vietnam

• Best kept in groups of 6 or more

🌊 Water Conditions

Vietnamese White Cloud Minnows are known for their adaptability to various water conditions, but they prefer cool, clean water similar to their natural habitat:

• Temperature: 18–24°C (64–75°F)

• pH: 6.0–7.5

• Water Hardness: 5–12 dGH

• Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons (larger for groups or community setups)

• Water Type: Freshwater, preferably with a gentle current

• Filtration: Standard sponge or hang-on-back filters with low to moderate flow

• Lighting: Moderate; they show best colors under natural or soft LED lighting

Decorate the tank with live plants, rocks, and driftwood to mimic a natural environment and give them plenty of swimming space.

🐟 Tank Mates

Vietnamese White Clouds are extremely peaceful and do well with similarly sized, non-aggressive tank mates. Ideal for community and nano aquariums.

Compatible with:

• Other small danios and rasboras

• Small tetras (e.g., ember, neon)

• Pygmy Corydoras

• Otocinclus catfish

• Cherry or Amano shrimp

• Snails (e.g., Nerite, Mystery)

Avoid pairing with:

• Large or aggressive fish

• Fin-nippers

• Warm water species requiring 26°C+

Keeping them in groups of 6 or more ensures they feel secure and display natural schooling behavior.

🍽️ Feeding Habits

The Vietnamese White Cloud Minnow is an omnivore and thrives on a varied diet:

• High-quality micro pellets or flake food

• Live or frozen foods such as daphnia, baby brine shrimp, and bloodworms

• Crushed or powdered plant-based flakes

• Occasional treats like mosquito larvae or crushed freeze-dried options

Feed once or twice daily, in amounts they can consume within 1–2 minutes.

🧼 Care and Maintenance

• Perform regular water changes (25–30% weekly)

• Monitor water temperature—avoid overheating, especially in tropical tanks

• Maintain stable water conditions and avoid sudden fluctuations

• Provide gentle aeration and circulation to mimic their stream habitat

• Look out for signs of stress like pale color or erratic swimming

These fish are hardy, but clean, stable water is key to their health and longevity.

🌿 Why Choose the Vietnamese White Cloud Minnow?

The Vietnamese White Cloud Minnow combines beauty, personality, and hardiness in a small, manageable size. It’s perfect for peaceful aquascapes, nano tanks, or coolwater community setups. Their delicate schooling patterns and unique coloration make them an eye-catching but low-maintenance addition to any freshwater aquarium.

Bring a touch of calm, color, and charm to your tank—order your Vietnamese White Cloud Minnows today!