Fish
Vietnamese Cardinal Minnow
Tanichthys micagemmae
Origin: The Vietnamese cardinal minnow is endemic to central Vietnam, described in 2001 from river tributaries in Quang Binh and Quang Tri provinces. It inhabits shallow, clear streams with sandy beds, moderate flow, and marginal vegetation.
Also known as: Cardinal minnow, Vietnam White Cloud, Tanichthys micagemmae
Fact sheet
- Size
- 3 cm
- Lifespan
- 4 years
- Minimum tank size
- 40 L
- Temperature
- 18–25 °C
- pH
- 6–7.5
- Hardness GH
- 2–12 °dH
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Social behavior
- Schooling
- Group size
- 8+ individuals
- Swimming zone
- Middle, Top
- Diet
- Omnivore
- Jumps out
- Yes
- Eats plants
- No
Overview
The Vietnamese cardinal minnow is a tiny, bright schooling fish, a close relative of the White Cloud Mountain minnow. It differs in its slimmer body, a sparkling blue-gold longitudinal stripe, and red markings on the fins that earn it the 'cardinal' name. It is a peaceful, hardy, and undemanding fish, ideal for nano aquariums and for beginners. Keep it in a shoal of at least 8–10; in a group the fish are active and brightly coloured. Unlike the coldwater White Cloud, the Vietnamese cardinal prefers slightly warmer water.
Appearance
The body is slender and elongated, only 2.3–3 cm long. A bright sparkling blue-gold stripe with a dark lower border runs along the body; the bases of the dorsal, anal, and tail fins carry red and orange areas. The belly is pale. Males are slimmer and brighter with richer fins; females are a little fuller. The species name micagemmae means 'sparkling gem'.
Care
A tank of at least 40 L with plants, driftwood, and open swimming space. Temperature 18–25 °C, pH 6.0–7.5, hardness GH 2–12 — soft to moderately hard water. Gentle flow, good aeration, and weekly water changes are needed. It likes clean, oxygen-rich water; dark substrate brings out the colour.
Feeding
An omnivore with a small mouth. It takes small flakes and micro-pellets and live or frozen cyclops, daphnia, brine shrimp nauplii, and micro-worm. Feed once or twice daily in small portions.
Compatibility
A very peaceful schooling fish. Excellent with small rasboras, microrasboras, dwarf tetras, corydoras, and shrimp. Large or aggressive tankmates are unsuitable. Keep in shoals of at least 8–10.
Breeding
Breeding is easy. The fish scatter eggs among fine-leaved plants and moss; the parents largely leave the eggs alone, but for higher yield the adults are removed. Sexual maturity is reached at 6–8 months. First foods for fry are infusoria and brine shrimp nauplii.
Fun facts
The Vietnamese cardinal minnow is often called the 'Vietnam White Cloud' for its kinship with the White Cloud Mountain minnow. The red fin markings give it the 'cardinal' name. Unlike the coldwater albonubes, this species is more warmth-loving and is usually kept without cooling.