White Cloud Mountain Minnow

A hardy, cool-water schooling fish that is great for beginners. White Clouds do well without a heater in many homes and enjoy gentle flow.

tankSize
40L (10 gal) minimum for a group
careLevel
Beginner
temperature
18 to 22C
temperament
Peaceful
diet
Flakes, micro-pellets, and small frozen foods
lifespan
3 to 5 years
aloneOrCommunity
Community (schooling)
weeklyMaintenance
Water changes and basic cleaning

Best for

  • Beginner aquariums
  • Cooler-water community tanks
  • Owners who want an active school
  • People who prefer low-heat setups

Not ideal for

  • Very warm tropical tanks
  • Uncycled aquariums
  • Tanks with large aggressive fish
  • Very small tanks without room for a group

Temperament

  • Peaceful and energetic
  • Best kept in groups of 6 or more
  • Enjoys open swimming space

Daily routine

feeding: Feed once or twice daily; keep portions modest.
check: Confirm active schooling and clear fins.
enrichment: Provide some plants and gentle flow for natural movement.

Living fit

smallHome: Great fit for simple setups without high heat.
kids: Excellent for learning basic aquarium care.
firstTimeOwner: Very beginner-friendly with a cycled tank.

Health notes

  • Hardy but still needs clean water and stable conditions.
  • Avoid overheating and low-oxygen water.
  • Group size helps reduce stress.

Cost and time

time: Low daily time; simple weekly maintenance.
cost: Affordable fish; low equipment needs if room temp suits them.

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