Tanichthys albonubes

White Cloud Mountain Minnows, Tanichthys albonubes, (白雲山) are a hardy freshwater fish, which can live in both coldwater and tropical aquariums.

They originate from China, where they were discovered in the White Cloud Mountains[?] in the 1930s by a young boy called Tan - hence the scientific name Tanichthys, meaning Tan's fish.

They are ideal fish for beginners as they are extremely forgiving with regard to aquarium temperature or water quality, and make an ideal 'starter fish' for cycling a new aquarium. They are schooling fish, and feel most comfortable in a shoal of at least 5 minnows. They are peaceful, and are happy to coexist with other fish.

They grow to 2 inches (5 cm) in size, and are silvery in appearance, with a greenish line running from eye to tail. The tail has a vivid red patch at its centre, and the eyes are surrounded by very reflective green rings, to the extent that if a torch is shone into the aquarium at night, it appears pairs of 'headlights' are looking back!

There are several other colour variations of the White Cloud Mountain Minnows, although these are rarely seen in aquarium shops.

This fish is believed to be extinct in its native China.

External link

• FishBase entry (http://www.fishbase.org/Summary/SpeciesSummary.cfm?ID=4758&genusname=Tanichthys&speciesname=albonubes)