White Cloud Mountain Minnow (Tanichthys albonubes)
| White Cloud Mountain Minnow Tanichthys albonubes | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | White Cloud Mountain Minnow |
| Name Lat. | Tanichthys albonubes |
| Family | Mountain Minnows |
| Family lat. | Tanichthyidae |
| Order | Carps |
| Order lat. | Cypriniformes |
| Origin | S-China |
| Habitat | Mountain streams |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| pH | 6.0-8.5 |
| Behavior | Peaceful |
| Keeping | Group |
| Care Level | Easy |
| Reproduction | Egg scatterer |
| Breeding | Moderately difficult |
| Life Span | 3-7 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 4 cm |
| Temperature | 16-22 °C |
| Hardness | 5-20 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 50 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 2" |
| Temperature | 61-72 °F |
| Hardness | 89-356 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 15 gal |
Distribution and habitat
Cardinalfish are found in the waters of Guangdong Province as well as Hainan Island (China). There they prefer to live in the shallow still water of slow-flowing mountain streams with dense vegetation and a bottom substrate of sand, gravel and foliage.
Maintenance
The aquarium should have a dense border and background planting, with roots that serve as a hiding and retreat opportunity and provide sufficient swimming space. In bright light and a dark substrate covered with some foliage (e.g. sea almond leaves) they show the most beautiful coloration.
No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.
Diet
In the wild they feed mainly on small insect larvae, plamkton and detritus. The food supply consists of live, frozen and dry food. For a balanced diet, feed once a day with a high quality dry food (flakes, granules, pellets) as well as cyclops, daphnia, moina, artemia, mosquito larvae, etc. (live or frozen). In addition, they need some vegetable food, such as algae leaves or dry food with high vegetable content.
It is recommended to feed small portions several times a day, which are eaten within a few minutes. A regular and varied diet promotes health and increases resistance.
Behaviour and compatibility
They are sociable and peaceful fish, which should be kept in a group of at least 5 animals, but better much more. A socialization with other small, peaceful fish, such as Danio, Devario, Garra or loaches is very well possible.
Basically, only compatible fish species with similar demands on water condition and water temperature should be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
The males are more intensely colored and slender. The females are larger and stronger.
Reproduction and breeding
The male usually swims around (drifts) the female in the early morning, which spawns among fine-textured plants (Java moss). The larvae hatch after 48-60 hours and swim freely after a week.
Juveniles must be fed several times a day with special rearing food (Artemia nauplii, dust food). In a community tank breeding is hardly possible, because the spawn is easy prey.
Important
In the long term, temperatures above 23 °C are not tolerated.
Cardinalfish are also suitable for unheated indoor aquariums.
The foliage (sea almond tree, oak etc.) enriches the water with humic substances and is a valuable secondary food source (detritus).
The well-being of the fish should be checked regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even if the contaminant level has not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.
Further literature can be found in your pet store.
References
Text: Werner Winter; Image: petdata
Source: BMEL (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); RIEHL & BAENSCH (2006): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 1, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF