Tanichthys micagemmae

A Little More Information...

Tanichthys micagemmae, also known as Vietnamese White Cloud Danio, is a small Vietnamese cyprinid valued for its modest size, constant activity, and subtle coloration. Less common than the White Cloud Mountain Minnow, it remains a sought-after species for aquarists who want a different Asian schooling fish. Its silvery body, blue-green reflections, and lightly colored fins are especially attractive in a planted aquarium. Peaceful, social, and reasonably adaptable, it suits a temperate community aquarium when the water is clean, well oxygenated, and the group contains several individuals.

General species description

Tanichthys micagemmae is a small freshwater fish belonging to the Cyprinidae family. It lives in groups and is generally active but peaceful in quiet or moderately flowing areas. In an aquarium, it should be kept in a **school of at least six fish**, preferably more, to reduce stress and encourage natural behavior. This species appreciates open swimming space combined with plants and shaded areas. It is not considered aggressive, although males may briefly chase one another when competing for female attention. With stable care and a varied diet, Tanichthys micagemmae can suit a prepared beginner aquarist. Its availability is **moderate**, making it less common in the trade than Tanichthys albonubes.

Geographical origin and habitat

Reference country: Vietnam. Tanichthys micagemmae comes from central Vietnam, in the Bến Hải River basin, particularly in Quảng Trị Province. Its natural habitat includes small streams and tributaries that are shallow, clear, and well oxygenated. The bottom is generally made up of sand, gravel, and small stones, with streamside vegetation creating shaded sections. The current may be slow to moderate, with seasonal changes caused by rainfall. In an aquarium, **cool to moderate water temperatures**, good circulation, and efficient filtration better reflect its general conditions than a very warm tropical setup. Dense plants along the sides and back, together with an open swimming area, allow it to alternate between shelter and active swimming.

Precise location and local name

The known range of Tanichthys micagemmae lies in the **Bến Hải basin** of central Vietnam, especially in Quảng Trị Province. The English common name Vietnamese White Cloud Danio refers to its Vietnamese origin and its general resemblance to the White Cloud Mountain Minnow. No Vietnamese vernacular name is consistently established in the international aquarium trade; the English name therefore remains the most commonly used designation. This restricted geographic origin partly explains its more limited availability and its appeal to keepers of Asian species. To preserve its distinctive character in an aquarium, it is best kept with fish of similar size and temperament rather than with large, boisterous swimmers or predators.

Appearance and physical characteristics

The body of Tanichthys micagemmae is elongated, slender, and slightly compressed from side to side. Its base color is silvery, with **blue-green reflections** that may become stronger under subdued lighting and over a dark substrate. A dark lateral marking helps define the body, while the fins may show yellow, orange, or reddish tones, particularly in males during breeding condition. Males are usually slimmer and more colorful; females often have a rounder belly and a fuller body shape. Its small adult size, generally around **3 to 3.5 cm**, makes it suitable for modest aquariums when adequate swimming length and a proper group are provided. Its colors appear most naturally when the fish feels secure.

General diet

Tanichthys micagemmae is an opportunistic omnivore that feeds on small prey and food particles in the water column. In captivity, its diet should combine small dry foods, such as micro-pellets or finely crushed flakes, with frozen or live foods. **Brine shrimp nauplii**, daphnia, and small worms are useful supplements, especially for conditioning breeding fish. Because its mouth is small, portions should be appropriately sized and offered in moderation, ideally once or twice daily. A varied diet supports coloration, growth, and vitality, while uneaten food should be avoided because it can quickly reduce water quality. Juveniles benefit from even finer foods and more frequent meals during early development.

Essential data

• Name of native river: Bến Hải
• Local name used: Vietnamese White Cloud Danio
• Origin of the scientific name: Tanichthys honors Tan Kan Fei; micagemmae refers to a small gem.
• Full-name etymology: Tanichthys means “Tan’s fish”; micagemmae approximately means “small gem.”
• Common/vernacular names: Vietnamese White Cloud Danio
• Family: Cyprinidae
• Subfamily: Danioninae
• Name pronunciation: tan-ik-thees my-ka-GEM-ee
• Discovery: Jörg Freyhof and Wolfgang Herder, 2001
• Maximum adult size: About 3.5 cm
• Water temperature and pH: 18 to 24 °C; pH 6.5 to 7.5
• Stream appearance and surrounding vegetation: Clear, shallow streams with sandy-gravel bottoms, streamside vegetation, and shaded areas.
• Typical tankmates: Tanichthys albonubes, Danio rerio, Celestichthys choprae, Microdevario kubotai
• Temperament and behavior: Peaceful, schooling, active, and mainly swimming in open water.
• Water depth: Shallow to moderate; associated with shallow stream sections.
• Sexual dimorphism: Males are slimmer and more colorful; females are rounder, especially when carrying eggs.
• Bottom structure and flow: Sand, gravel, and small stones; slow to moderate flow with well-oxygenated water.

For greater success

To keep Tanichthys micagemmae successfully, choose a mature, covered, and well-planted aquarium with a **moderate temperature** and stable water conditions. A sufficiently large group, gentle filtration that provides good oxygenation, and small meals will support its welfare. Avoid aggressive or much larger tankmates. A dark substrate and floating plants can also enhance its reflections while giving the fish a greater sense of security. Aquarium conservation is straightforward when its schooling nature, water quality, and preference for cooler conditions are respected.