Origin – Distribution

For over a half century the White Cloud Mountain Minnow was the only species in the the newly defined genus. However in 2001, two additional species found in Vietnam were recognized; Tanichthys micagemmae and Tanichthys thacbaensis. Of the two, only Tanichthys micagemmae (Vietnamese White Cloud) is available in the aquarium trade.

The White Cloud Mountain minnow is a hardy species of freshwater fish and coldwater fish often kept in aquaria. The species is a member of the carp family of the order Cypriniformes, native to China. The White Cloud Mountain minnow is practically extinct in its native habitat, due to pollution and tourism.