Sluggish Spring fed mountain stream near Guangdong province, China

Volume of your aquarium: 80 L

Dimensions of your aquarium: 78 cm x 33 cm x 34 cm

List of fishes: Tanichthys albonubes, Physa acuta

List of plants: Ceratopteris Thalictroides, Rotala Rotundifolia, Variegated Oenanthe javanica

Description of Decorations and Substrate: In this aquarium I used Caribsea natural sand to simulate the bottom of a stream. I also used Fluval Stratum to help the plants grow. Then I collected some mountain river rock from my local landscaping yard and tested the rocks to make sure they are aquarium safe. The river rock was used to portray boulders and stones that are found in streams. Also, some small pebbles of river rock and gravel were used as well.

Description of Equipment: 2x Luminie Asta 20 lights on medium shine, Fluval AquaClear 30 on low flow

Water Parameters: Temperature: 20-22 C, Ph: 6.4

Additional Info: 30% Weekly water change.

Aquarium video:

Description of the Area Surrounding the Biotope: Guangdong is diverse, being composed primarily of rounded hills, cut by streams and rivers, and scattered and ribbonlike alluvial valleys. Together with the Guangxi region, Guangdong is clearly separated from the Yangtze River basin by the Nan Mountains, the southernmost of the major Chinese mountain ranges running from east to west.

Description of the Underwater Landscape of the Biotope: Little published information exists but one of the populations rediscovered close to the type locality in Guangdong inhabits a sluggish, spring-fed mountain stream with clear, shallow water and dense growths of aquatic vegetation.

Description of the Habitat Parameters: Hardness: 90 – 357 ppm, Temperature: 14-22C, Ph: 6.0- 8.5

List of Fishes and Invertebrates Occurring in the Nature Biotope: Macropodus opercularis, Gambusia affinis

List of Plants Found in the Nature Biotope: Blyxa japonica, Rotala rotundifolia, Ludwigia prostrata, Ceratopteris thalictroides and Limnophila sp.

Threats to the Ecology of the Biotope: Pollution, destruction of habitat and tourism has had a major impact on this species and others as well. These causes are such a threat that it’s considered an endangered species by governmental agencies in China and features in the China Red Data Book of Endangered Animals, in which it is listed as a ‘second class state protected’ animal.

Sources of Information:
• Yeung, Yue-man. “Guangdong.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., https://www.britannica.com/place/Guangdong.

• “Tanichthys Albonubes (White Cloud Mountain Minnow).” Tanichthys Albonubes – White Cloud Mountain Minnow (Aphyocypris Pooni) – Seriously Fish, https://www.seriouslyfish.com/species/tanichthys-albonubes/.

• Yang, Alison. “White Cloud Mountain Minnow 101: The Full Care Guide.” Aquarium Source, 7 May 2021, https://www.aquariumsource.com/white-cloud-mountain-minnow/.

• Fish Laboratory. “White Cloud Mountain Minnow: Ultimate Care Guide.” Fish Laboratory, 28 Dec. 2021, https://www.fishlaboratory.com/fish/white-cloud-mountain-minnow/.

• Aquadiction. “White Cloud Mountain Minnow (Tanichthys Albonubes) Fish Profile & Care Guide.” Aquadiction, Aquadiction, 17 Nov. 2021, https://aquadiction.world/species-spotlight/white-cloud-mountain-minnow/.

• “White Cloud Mountain Minnow (Tanichthys Albonubes).” White Cloud Mountain Minnow (Tanichthys Albonubes) – The Free Freshwater and Saltwater Aquarium Encyclopedia Anyone Can Edit – The Aquarium Wiki, http://www.theaquariumwiki.com/wiki/Tanichthys_albonubes.