How to Breed White Cloud Fish

White cloud minnows, Tanichthys albonubes, reach a diminutive 1 1/2 inches and are among the hardiest fish for freshwater aquariums. Look after them properly and they can live for up to ten years. They also breed readily with the right conditions. A variety of unusual varieties are now available, including gold and rose colored forms. Breeding particular strains of white cloud minnows might require a bit of homework on genetics, but they all require the same basic set-up.

Things You'll Need

  • 10 gallon or larger freshwater aquarium, filtration equipment and aquarium marbles
  • Aquatic plants
  • High quality fish food
  • Live food
  • Glass jars, algae fertilizer and air pump, or fry food
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set up a coldwater tank with plenty of aquatic plants and with aquarium marbles rather than gravel. The parents do not look after their offspring, and in fact may eat them accidentally, so the fry need places to hide. The marbles are to hide the eggs from hungry adult fish. You do not need a heater but situate the tank in a warm room, which may encourage breeding. Ideally, the temperature should be between 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

    • 2

      Introduce at least six white cloud minnows, preferably from more than one store to ensure they aren't related. The proportion of males to females should be either 50/50 or with more females than males. They are schooling fish and breed more readily in small shoals than in pairs.

    • 3

      Supplement the minnows' food with live food such as daphnia to condition the fish for breeding.

    • 4

      Cultivate phytoplankton, green algae, in large glass jars for the fry once the eggs hatch. Fill up jars with water, add starter culture and algae fertilizer, and place on a windowsill with good natural light, run an air pump into the jars and leave until the water turns green. Alternatively, purchase fry food from an aquarium supply store.

    • 5

      Feed the fry on the green water from the jars or fry food for about a week. Thereafter they are big enough to eat newly-hatched brine shrimp.