Vietnamese White Cloud

The Vietnamese White Cloud, scientifically known as Tanichthys micagemmae, is a distinct species from the common White Cloud Mountain Minnow (Tanichthys albonubes). It originates from cool, clear, vegetated streams in central Vietnam and is valued for its graceful shape, refined coloration, and hardiness in small, planted aquariums.

Adult Vietnamese White Clouds typically reach about 1 to 1.2 inches (2.5 to 3 cm) in length. They have a slender, pearly body with a pale, shimmering lateral line, translucent fins often tipped with red or orange, and in males a slightly longer, more colorful dorsal and caudal. The overall look is finer and more delicate than the larger, stockier White Cloud Mountain Minnow.

A tank of at least 10 gallons is suitable for a small group. Vietnamese White Clouds should be kept in groups of eight or more to bring out natural shoaling and display. Provide dense planting, open swimming space, and floating plants to soften the light. Gentle filtration and moderate current replicate their stream habitat.

Water parameters should include a temperature of 64 to 75°F (18 to 24°C), a pH between 6.2 and 7.5, and soft to moderately hard water. They thrive in clean, stable conditions with regular partial water changes.

Feeding Tanichthys micagemmae is straightforward. Offer high-quality micro flakes or pellets and frequent small portions of live or frozen foods such as daphnia, cyclops, and baby brine shrimp to maintain condition and color.

Vietnamese White Clouds are peaceful and pair well with other small, cool-tolerant species such as small rasboras, danios, and pygmy Corydoras. Avoid larger or boisterous tankmates that outcompete them.

Breeding is possible in aquaria. They scatter eggs among fine-leaved plants or spawning mops with no parental care. For better yield, remove adults after spawning and start fry on infusoria before transitioning to newly hatched brine shrimp.

Tanichthys micagemmae (Vietnamese White Cloud) is a separate species from T. albonubes and should be labeled and kept as such; avoid mixing the two to preserve locality lines and prevent hybridization.