White Cloud Mountain minnows are
considered good fish for beginners, as they are
extremely forgiving with regard to aquarium temperature
and water quality.
They are
schooling fish, and feel
most comfortable in a
group of at least
five. An individual
of these minnows kept
alone may become
timid and lose its
bright colour. White
Clouds are generally
peaceful and happy to
coexist with
other fish, as long
as they are not put in
a tank with larger fish
that may eat them. The
minnows
are usually top or
middle-level swimmers
and rarely
swim close to the
bottom of a tank.
Although the normal temperature range of the species
in the wild is 18–26 °C (64–72 °F),
it can survive water temperatures down to 5°C
(41°F). This makes it an ideal fish for keeping
in an unheated aquarium in cold climates. In fact,
White Clouds are more active and healthy at temperatures
lower than most tropical tanks are kept.
