White Cloud Minnows

Author : Efrain Silva

Appearance

The White Cloud Minnow looks exactly like a nice little coloring book — not literally, but I mean to say it comes in a whole host of colors, much like a Rainbowfish. It also bears a dashing resemblance to the Neon Tetra (Google one and you will see, especially if viewing a chart of these two fish, side by side, in comparison).

Anyways, with the White Cloud Minnow, you will find the caudal and dorsal fins are red, and the main body is greenish silver. It measures a good 4 cm, when talking length.

Diet

What kind of diet should you worry about here, as a careful owner / parent? You can call this fish a “micro - predator” as that is how scientists have rightfully classified it. And what this simply means is that it enjoys feasting on small invertebrates that it finds in the waters. Ever seen a nature documentary about it, or visited a museum, or seen the placard for this fish at the zoo?

Next time you do so, take note of this — you will likely see the White Cloud Minnow, either in picture or video, in action as it eats at brine shrimp, sucks on some larvae, or even takes a nip at live zooplankton. I’ve been able to witness it. It was quite a treat!

Origins

This fish is a carp — can you believe it? I couldn’t when I found out, at first, but yep…it’s a member of the good ol’ carp family, respectively. Cyprinidae is the technical family name. And the White Cloud Minnow comes from China! Overpopulation, in today’s times (along with the growing demands of tourism, to go along with it, in these times) has caused this fish to now become more and more extinct back at home.

Roommate Situation

A good friend is something we all could use, in this day and age, and every creature was made to have someone else by their side — that is the simple way of nature. And with the White Cloud Minnow, the best piece of advice I can give you is the following : In the wild, this fish gets along quite great with a Gold Barb or a Paradise Fish, among others (such as the Weather Loach). Fish that have also come from a similar habitat will do well with it, places like wild rivers in Asian regions. Cherry Barbs are also not bad tank mates to consider, as are Dwarf Gouramis or Harlequin Rasboras (heck, a whole large school of them).

Other Facts to Note

Swap out the old tank water as soon as you start to notice it losing its original color (and perhaps notice a funky smell going on as well). The quality of your water is very important in keeping this fish alive, healthy, and reproducing. (Plus, you wouldn’t want any home visitors of yours seeing what a gucky, smelly fish tank you have in your home.) Great fish — if you own one, you should be proud to call yourself its owner and parent.