White Cloud 2.5cm

White Cloud 
 

White clouds are by far one of the best beginner fish species, they are cheap, incredibly hardy, stay small, and are cold-water tolerant. They are arguably the best beginner fish to start with because of how easy they are to keep and one of the best fish for nanosystems as well. The surprising thing is that the white cloud is almost extinct in its wild range due to habitat loss for such a popular and widespread fish in the aquarium hobby. The aquarium hobby however is easily the sole reason this fish is so loved and can remain alive which is great.

The best thing about white clouds is that they are one of the best community fish in existence, meaning that they can be kept with a wide range of peaceful aquarium fish. Because of their hardy and cold-water tolerant nature, they can be great for those who are just looking into keeping aquariums as they do not need a heater like tropical fish however, they can also thrive in a tropical aquarium. White clouds are not exactly the most colourful fish however once these fish mature the metallic body colour with neon blue and red colours on the fins comes through. Since white clouds are also bred so prolifically in the aquarium hobby there are also golden and long fin variations which adds some nice options to consider.

As mentioned, white clouds can be bred quite easily in the home aquarium. As long as there is dense plant cover in the aquarium where the fry can hatch and seek refuge then it's almost guaranteed that these fish will breed. Though there are no exact defining factors between males and females, males tend to be more slender and brightly coloured.

Tank Recommendations for your White Cloud
Being a very small and extremely easy-to-care-for species, the white cloud can be kept in tanks with a minimum volume of 20 litres. They can withstand parameters and temperature swings, making them great fish to keep in smaller tanks. Due to their top-dwelling nature, they are not fussy with substrate and will be happy will sand or gravel. The only precaution that should be considered for white clouds is that they can jump out of a tank with no lid.  

Suitable Tank Buddies
White clouds are extremely peaceful fish with no fin-nipping tendencies, they can be kept with a vast range of peaceful community fish.

Usually Compatible
Tetras, gouramis, corydoras, pleco, cherry barbs, and common community fish species.

Sometime Compatible
Dwarf cichlids such as rams, Apistogramma, and checkerboards may show aggression toward the white clouds. 

Rarely Compatible
Since white clouds have such a small profile, they can be very easy prey for many aquarium fish. It's usually best to avoid keeping this species with any fish that has a mouth size larger than the white cloud. 

Feeding your White Cloud
White clouds will take to a wide range of aquarium foods given to them, this includes pellets, flakes, and frozen and live foods. When kept in a school it is great to see their pack feeding as they hammer the surface of the water when feeding. Because of this primarily surface-dwelling mentality, floating or slow-sinking food is best fed to them.