Danios and White Cloud Minnows: Busy Little Shoalers

Danios and white cloud mountain minnows are small, lively shoaling fish from Asia. Keep at least five in a long tank with a lid and a moderate current, at least about 12 gallons (45 liters) for small species. Many can live without a heater indoors: danios at about 63–81°F (17–27°C) and white clouds cooler, at about 63–73°F (17–23°C).

Figures from the Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association (OATA)'s danio and white cloud mountain minnow care sheet; check your species' needs with a specialist keeper or aquatics store.

Danios and white clouds at a glance
Group	At least 5
Size	Most about 2 in (5 cm); giant danio about 4.5 in (12 cm)
Tank	At least about 12 gallons (45 liters); 32 gallons (120 liters) for larger danios
Temperature	Danios 63–81°F (17–27°C); white clouds 63–73°F (17–23°C)
pH	6.5–8.0
Heater	Often not needed indoors; check your species
Temperament	Active and peaceful

Lively, Hardy Starter Fish

Danios are fast, active fish from Asia, and OATA calls them some of the most popular starter fish. The striped zebra danio and spotted leopard danio are classics. White cloud mountain minnows come from cooler, faster streams in Asia; OATA notes that because of habitat loss in the wild, all those in the trade are captive bred.

Their big attraction is that many can live in an unheated indoor tank in a centrally heated home, though some danio species need a heater.

Groups and Sizes

Both are shoaling fish: OATA recommends at least five, and more is better. Most danios stay around 2 inches (5 cm), but the giant danio reaches about 4.5 inches (12 cm). White clouds rarely grow over 2 inches (5 cm).

Tank, Temperature and Flow

Danios never stop swimming, so length and open water matter. OATA recommends at least about 12 gallons (45 liters) for a small shoal of small species and about 32 gallons (120 liters) for larger danios of 2 inches (5 cm) or more.

Temperature: danios about 63–81°F (17–27°C); white clouds cooler, about 63–73°F (17–23°C). Ask your store whether your species can go without a heater in your home.
Flow: a moderate current for extra oxygen.
Lid: active fish can jump.
Water: pH about 6.5–8.0, soft to medium hardness.

Setting Up for Danios

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A long tank with a tight lid, a filter with some current, and plants at the sides and back leave open water for swimming. Add a thermometer to check whether you need a heater.

Feeding

Both are omnivores. OATA suggests good-quality flake or granules, with small live or frozen foods such as daphnia and bloodworm. Feed what they eat in a few minutes once a day.

Tank Mates

Danios and white clouds get on with most community fish, but OATA notes danios' constant activity can stress timid species. White clouds are often sold alongside goldfish: they are fine together while the goldfish are small, but larger goldfish can eat them, and goldfish need far bigger tanks. See coldwater tanks for unheated setups.

Keeping Them Healthy

Most problems in small fish start with water quality. Test ammonia, nitrite and nitrate weekly, change about a quarter of the water each week with conditioned tap water, and rinse filter media in old tank water, never under the tap. Quarantine new fish if you can, and add them a few at a time so the filter keeps up.

Watch your fish every day at feeding time. Changes in swimming, color, breathing or hiding are early signs that something is wrong, so test the water first.

For fish treatments or medicines: see your vet or a pet supply store with trained staff. An aquatics store with trained staff, or a vet who treats fish, can help you work out what's wrong before you add anything to the tank.

Frequently Asked Questions

What new keepers ask about danios and white clouds.

Do danios need a heater?

Many can live unheated in a centrally heated home, within about 63–81°F (17–27°C), but some species need a heater. Ask your store about your species.

Can white cloud minnows live with goldfish?

Only while the goldfish are small. Larger goldfish can eat them, and goldfish need much bigger tanks.

How many danios should I keep?

At least five, according to OATA, and more is better.

Can danios live in a pond?

Rules differ by country. In Great Britain, OATA notes these species may only be kept in indoor aquariums, not outdoors. Never release aquarium fish into the wild.