Description
The Vietnamese Cardinal Minnow, scientifically known as Tanichthys micagemmae and often referred to as the Vietnamese White Cloud, is a small, peaceful schooling fish prized for its shimmering colors, hardiness, and calm nature. Perfect for both tropical and cool-water setups, this Vietnamese minnow is ideal for planted and community aquariums. With their bright red fins and sparkling silver-blue bodies, Vietnamese Cardinal Minnows bring energy and color to nano tanks and larger displays alike.
Discovered in the cool streams of Vietnam’s central highlands, the Vietnamese Cardinal Minnow is closely related to the well-known White Cloud Mountain Minnow. Unlike its Chinese cousin, this species displays deeper coloration, sleeker body lines, and more vivid red-orange hues in the fins. Adaptable to a wide range of water conditions, Tanichthys micagemmae thrives in aquariums with gentle flow and dense vegetation, making it a favorite among aquascaping enthusiasts.
A full-grown Vietnamese Cardinal Minnow reaches about 1–1.2 inches (2.5–3 cm) in length, making it a perfect choice for nano aquariums. Males exhibit more intense red and gold tones, while females are slightly rounder and paler. Under good lighting, their silver bodies shimmer with blue-green reflections, a subtle yet captivating beauty that enhances any minnow fish aquarium.
Vietnamese Cardinal Minnows are peaceful, social schooling fish that thrive in groups of six or more. Their gentle behavior makes them excellent tank mates for other small community species such as Rasboras, Danios, small Tetras, shrimp, and snails. They are active mid-level swimmers that enjoy cooler water temperatures and calm surroundings.
At our Splashy Fish tropical fish store, our Vietnamese Cardinal Minnow for sale and other freshwater fish for sale are carefully selected and packed with love! Visit us to buy them online or at our aquarium store in Virginia for more betta fish for sale, freshwater shrimp for sale, live aquatic plants for sale, and aquarium supplies.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM THIS FISH:
Peaceful, colorful schooling fish perfect for community and nano aquariums
Closely related to the classic White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Thrives in cooler temperatures and well-oxygenated water
Small size (1–1.2 inches), which is ideal for planted nano setups
Hardy, beginner-friendly, and adaptable to different environments
RECOMMENDED TANK PARAMETERS:
Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons for a small school
Temperature: 64°–75°F (18°–24°C), cooler than most tropical fish
pH: 6.0–7.5
Hardness: 5–12 dGH
Filtration: Gentle flow with clean, oxygen-rich water
CARE GUIDELINES:
Diet: Omnivorous. Feed a mix of micro pellets, flakes, and frozen or live foods like daphnia, brine shrimp, and bloodworms. They readily graze on small invertebrates and fine plant matter.
Tank Setup: Use fine gravel or sand substrate, live plants, and driftwood. Maintain stable White Cloud Mountain Minnow temperature levels and avoid excessive heat.
Behavior: Active and social schooling fish that prefer to swim in groups; best viewed under soft lighting that enhances their reflective scales.
