Vietnamese Cardinal Minnow

The Vietnamese cardinal minnow is a close relative of the White Cloud Mountain minnow and belongs to the same genus. Along the side of its body there is a broad, dark band, and directly above it a line that shines between gold and blue as it catches the light; its fins are orange-red with pale edges. It grows to about 3 cm. It comes from cool, vegetated streams in central Vietnam; like the white cloud, it is at its healthiest in room-temperature water.

• At least 40 liters for a group of 8–10.
• 19–23°C, pH 6.5–7.5, soft to moderately hard water; in most homes no heater is needed.
• Dense plants along the sides, open space in the middle; gentle flow.
• It may jump; use a lid.

Omnivorous. It readily accepts small flakes and granules; frozen brine shrimp, daphnia and cyclops bring out its colors.

Peaceful and social. It swims as a group in the middle and upper layers; males display to each other by flaring their fins.

Good companions: White Cloud Mountain minnows, emerald dwarf rasboras, glowlight danios, Neocaridina shrimp, small corydoras species that like cool water, snails.

Avoid: fish large enough to swallow it, tropical species that need warm water.