Tanichthys micagemmae

Common Names:

Royal White Cloud

Synonyms:

Family:

Cyprinidae

Category:

Cyprinids

Distribution:

Asia; Found only in streams of the Ben Hai River in Vietnam.

Main Ecosystem:

Stream; Relatively fast-flowing streams.

Temperament:

Peaceful; A lively aquarium inhabitant, Tanichthys micagemmae will shoal close to the surface during the day. It is an extremely peaceful species, but may have the tendency to nip at long, flowing fins. It is inoffensive to nearly all aquarium fish, however its high activity level may disturb especially shy, slow-moving species.

Diet:

Ominvore; Diet consist mainly of small invertebrates in the wild. In captivity, it is not picky and will greedily consume almost any processed, frozen, or small live food.

Care:

Care is easy. Provide at least a tank of 10 gallons to ensure this White Cloud has enough swimmming room. The middle and surface areas should be mostly clear of large, bushy plants, though low-growing species are appreciated as hiding places. Substrate is not important, and filtration should be strong enough to create at least a slight current in the water.

pH:

6 - 7.5

Temperature:

22°C - 27°C

72°F - 81°F

Hardness:

1 dH - 15 dH

Potential Size:

Male: 2.3cm (0.9")
Female: 2.6cm (1")

Water Region:

Middle, Surface; Tanichthys micagemmae will spend most of its time in the upper and middle levels of the tank. During the night it will retreat closer to the substrate.

Activity:

Diurnal; Like most cyprinids, Tanichthys micagemmae is largely diurnal.

Gender:

Females are plumper and slightly larger than males, and the males tend to have longer and more brightly-colored fins than the females.

Breeding:

Breeding Tanichthys micagemmae is easy and much like that of the original White Cloud (except higher temperatures are required). A tank of at least 10 gallons is needed. The tank should have a temperature of about 76 degrees Fahrenheit, be furnished with a few plants and driftwood, and have a substrate made from glass marbles (to prevent parents form eating the eggs). The water should be soft and acidic.

Place a pair or mixed-sex group of adult fish in the tank after conditioning them on live and frozen foods for at least two weeks. The females should be noticeably plump and full of eggs, while the males should be vigorously flaring their fins at each other and the females. The water should be soft and acidic, and have a temperature of about 77 degrees Fahrenheit. If the conditions are correct, the fish should spawn in a few days to a week. A pair of fish will retreat to cover and with their bodies next to each other, the female will release her eggs and the male will fertilize them simultaneously as the eggs fall. Remove the adult fish after spawning has taken place.

The eggs will hatch in about two to three days. The fry, though extremely small, are relatively easy to raise. They will feed on small live foods such as infusoria, daphnia, and baby brine shrimp. They will also usually accept powdered flake food. Under good conditions, they grow quickly and can generally be introduced to a community tank (or back with their parents) at a few weeks of age.

Variants:

No variants are known as of yet, but due to the ease of breeding this species, it is likely that different morphs will be developed as this species becomes more common in the hobby.

Comments:

Tanichthys micagemmae was discovered only in recent years and scientifically described in 2001. It is still rare in the hobby and therefore difficult to get ahold of. Due to its hardiness, attractiveness, and ease of breeding, however, it is likely that this species will prove to be more popular and common in upcoming years. Captive bred specimens are already available in the hobby.

Main Colours:

Brown, Black, Red

Markings:

Striped Horizontal

Mouth:

Upturned

Tail:

Concave

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Image Credit:

Submitted By:

Natalie

Contributors:

Natalie

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