How to Identify White Cloud Mountain Minnow

To identify White Cloud Mountain Minnow (Tanichthys albonubes), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

torpedo

Coloration

The body is typically olive-brown to greenish-brown dorsally, fading to a silvery-white belly. A prominent iridescent golden-red horizontal stripe runs from the snout through the eye to the caudal peduncle, often bordered by a thinner dark stripe above and below. The fins are translucent, often with bright red or yellow tips, particularly on the dorsal and caudal fins. Breeding males exhibit more intense coloration.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

superior

Distinctive features

Small, slender body, Bright iridescent lateral stripe, Red or yellow coloration on fin tips, Absence of barbels

Dorsal fin

Single, short-based dorsal fin positioned posteriorly, typically with 7-8 branched rays. Often tipped with red or yellow.

Tail fin

Forked caudal fin, often with prominent red or yellow coloration, especially on the outer rays.

Pectoral fin

Small, clear pectoral fins.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are also small and clear. All fins lack spines.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Size and Shape

   Small, slender fish, typically reaching 3-4 cm (1.2-1.6 inches) in length.

2. 2

   Coloration

   Distinguished by the iridescent golden-red lateral stripe and the red/yellow tips on the dorsal and caudal fins.

3. 3

   Fin Structure

   Single dorsal fin positioned towards the rear of the body, and a distinctly forked caudal fin.

4. 4

   Absence of Barbels

   Unlike many other minnows and danios, Tanichthys albonubes lacks barbels around its mouth.

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