How long do White Cloud Mountain Minnows live?
They live about 3-5 years with good care. Their coolwater tolerance makes them long-lived in unheated, stable setups.
What do White Cloud Mountain Minnows eat?
They take flake, micro-pellets, and small frozen/live foods like daphnia and brine shrimp. Overfeeding is the main diet error; feed small portions once or twice daily.
Tank size and water parameters
A 10-15 gallon (38-57 L) tank suits a school of 6-8. Target 59-72°F (15-22°C), pH 6.0-8.0, moderate hardness, zero ammonia and nitrite, nitrate under 20-30 ppm. Keep in groups of 6+; they appreciate cool, oxygenated water and plants.
Common mistakes with White Cloud Mountain Minnows
Key errors: a heated tropical tank (they prefer cool water and suffer when hot); too small a group; warm stagnant water with low oxygen; and tropical tank mates that need heat they can't provide.
Beginner mistakes to avoid
- Heating a tropical tank — they prefer cool 59-72°F water.
- Too small a group — they need 6+ to school.
- Warm, low-oxygen water — keep it cool and well-aerated.
- Tropical tank mates — keep them with other coolwater species.