| White Cloud
Mountain Minnows 
photo by Andy These colourful little fish come from China, where they live in mountain streams. They are members of the Rasbora family. Although they are nearly always sold along side tropical fish, they themselves are not tropicals. They can live quite happily in temperatures as low as 57 F although temps between 65 and 74 F are better, don't keep them any warmer than this because it will stress them. They make great community fish because they are colourful, peaceful and very active. They will thrive on flake and live food and will accept a wide range of water types. These fish are usually very easy to breed. They can be bred in either a pair or a shoal, but a pair is preferable. The males and females are easily told apart because the female is much plumper and the male is more brightly coloured. To breed these fish a tank should be set up similar to that for breeding barbs. the tank need not be very big about 10 gall would be more than adequate. It should be set up with lots of fine leaved plants and a sponge filter. The temp MUST be between 68 to 72 F, the well conditioned pair should be introduced to the tank and left to get on with it. The males courtship can be very intense but this is normal. If they are reluctant to spawn, it can help if you add soom cooler water to the tank just to lower the temp by a couple of degrees. After spawning the pair should be removed so that they can't start eating the eggs. The eggs will hatch after only 36 hours or less depending upon the temp. The fry will be free swimming after another 5 or 6 days. They should be fed on liquid fry food at first and then newly hatched brineshrimps and powdered flake. As always good food and clean water will determine how quickly the fry grow. But under good conditions with plenty of water changes (about 20% daily) the fry should be ready for sale in about 8 to 12 weeks. Back to Species Selection | 
