White Cloud Mountain Minnows

 
Common name: White cloud mountain minnow, white clouds
Scientific/Latin name: Tanichthys albonubes
Maximum length: 1 to 1.5 inches
Colors: brown, green, yellow, red, neon blue, and black
Temperature preference: 65 -75F
pH preference: 6 to 8
Hardness preference: Soft
Life span: 3 to 10 years

This easy-to-keep minnow will do well in the community aquarium with other peaceful fish. If kept in a school of eight or more, the White Cloud will be more active and colorful.

White Clouds are omnivores and should be fed a diet of flake foods with plenty of vegetable matter, as well as freeze-dried bloodworms and tubifex.

Rosy Red Minnows

Common names: Rosy Red Minnow, Rosy Reds, Rosey Reds, Rosies, Tuffies, Rosy Red Feeders
Scientific/Latin name: Pimephales promelas
Maximum length: Males 2-3 inches, females 1-2 inches
Colors: Light orange, spotted,and splotched.
Breeding male attributes: Fleshy head growths and tubercules
Breeding female attributes: Ovipositors, fatter and shorter bodies
Temperature preference: 50-75F
pH preference: 7 to 8
Hardness preference: Moderate
Life span: 1 to 3 years (average 1.5 to 2 years)

Rosy red minnows are often sold in aquarium and pet shops as "feeder" fish. My local fish store sells them for $1.50 per dozen.

Rosy red minnows will do well in the community aquarium with other peaceful fish. Should be kept in a school of six or more, with at least one male per 3 females.

Rosy red minnows are omnivores and should be fed a diet of flake foods with plenty of vegetable matter, as well as freeze-dried bloodworms and tubifex.

Dojo (Weather) Loach

Scientific Name: Misgurnus angullicaudatus
Common Names: Dojo Loach, Weatherfish, Weather Loach, Oriental weatherfish
Family: Cobitidae
Order: Cypriniformes
Class: Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes)
Origin: Asia, China, Korea, Japan
Adult size: up to 12 inches (30 cm)
Lifespan: 7-12 years
pH: 6.0 - 8.0
Temperature: 40-77 F (4-25 C)

The Dojo Loach originates within the Rivers, Lakes and Ponds of Asia and is farm raised for the aquarium industry. Dojo Loaches are bottom dwelling scavengers with reduced or absent scales and a mouth surrounded by barbells in which they use to find food. They have an elongated, smooth body.. They are peaceful and very efficient scavengers that will make a welcome addition to any community aquarium.