Vietnamese Cardinal Minnow

Tanichthys micagemmae

Vietnamese Cardinal Minnow is a peaceful middle-to-top swimmer.

PeacefulMiddle to top swimmerBeginner

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Need help with Vietnamese Cardinal Minnow?

Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 1.2" (≤ 3 cm)
Aquarium size: 11 US gal (41 L) or larger / ≥ 17.7" (≥ 45 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Middle to top swimmer
Temperature: 64–73°F (18–23°C)
pH: 6.5–7.5
GH: 2–8 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 5 years

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner.

Lifespan: up to 5 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 11 US gal (41 L) or larger / ≥ 17.7" (≥ 45 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 18–23 °C, pH 6.5–7.5, GH 2–8 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Vietnamese Cardinal Minnow is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the middle to upper part of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Vietnamese Cardinal Minnow should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Offer small live/frozen invertebrates plus fine dried foods; avoid much larger fast-feeding neighbours.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 11 US gal (41 L) or larger / ≥ 17.7" (≥ 45 cm) minimum length.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Vietnam.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

African Banded Barb Barbus fasciolatus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 68–79°F (20–26°C) Bandula Barb Pethia bandula Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.6" (≤ 4.1 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) Barred Pencilfish Nannostomus espei Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.2" (≤ 3 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C) Black Ruby Barb Pethia nigrofasciata Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner ≤ 2.2" (≤ 5.5 cm) 68–81°F (20–27°C) Blood Tailed Danio Devario annandalei Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 70–79°F (21–26°C) Blue Danio Danio kerri Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.8" (≤ 4.5 cm) 64–77°F (18–25°C)

FAQ

How large does Vietnamese Cardinal Minnow get?

Vietnamese Cardinal Minnow reaches ≤ 1.2" (≤ 3 cm).

What aquarium size does Vietnamese Cardinal Minnow need?

Use an aquarium of at least 11 US gal (41 L) or larger / ≥ 17.7" (≥ 45 cm) minimum length.

Is Vietnamese Cardinal Minnow peaceful?

Yes. Vietnamese Cardinal Minnow is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Vietnamese Cardinal Minnow?

Keep it between 18 to 23 °C.