Anyone who has ever studied the history of the white clouds, Tanichthys albonubes, in any depth has also encountered the names “Aphyocypris pooni” and “Aphyocypris lini” (both names also used in combination with the genus name Hemigrammocypris). For reasons that are difficult to comprehend from today’s perspective, “lini” was considered to be extremely closely related to the white clouds, and it was even believed that the two species could be distinguished solely by details of their coloration (for a detailed report on the subject, see Weitzman & Evers, 1998). What remains is the invalid (and, moreover, misspelled) name “linni” for veil-finned white clouds. The “true” lini looks completely different and is not found in the hobby; it was long considered a member of the genus Hemigrammocypris and was recently transferred to the genus Alligarina, newly established in 2025.
We recently received “giant white clouds” from Vietnam under the name “Aphyocypris lini.” The fish are between 4 and 6 cm long, which is considerably larger than any white cloud ever grows. In an initial identification round, we classified them as “Alligarina sp. Vietnam” based on the circumstances described above. However, we are now quite certain that they belong to the species Araioypris batodes, which was first described in 2008. The authors write about their species: “The first impression in the field was a color pattern identical to that of Tanichthys albonubes.”
To date, Araioypris batodes is known only from Quang Ninh Province in northern Vietnam. The genus has remained monotypic to this day, meaning it contains only this one species. Everything matches our new imports, except for one thing: the size. So far, Araioypris batodes is considered a small species; the longest scientifically measured specimen was 33.2 mm (standard length, excluding the caudal fin) long.
In our experience, these fish have proven to be easy to keep. They are completely peaceful and tend to swim in schools. Their somewhat stiff swimming style is reminiscent of rasboras, such as Trigonopoma pauciperforatum. Our new import is certainly a very attractive addition to the assortment of temperate-zone fish. Hopefully, one will be able to breed them. So far—aside from purely physical differences, i.e., the presumed females are slightly larger and plumper—no sexual dimorphism is apparent.
Maximum size: approx. 6 cm; Temperature: 18–25°C; pH and hardness: not significant for care (tap water); Diet: omnivorous; Social behavior: peaceful schooling fish.
For our customers: These fish are listed under code 362383 on our stock list. Please note that we supply exclusively to wholesale customers.
Literature:
Conway, K. W. & M. Kottelat (2008): Araiocypris batodes, a new genus and species of cyprinid fish from northern Vietnam (Ostariophysi: Cyprinidae). Raffles Bulletin of Zoology v. 56 (no. 1): 101-105.
Weitzman, S. H. & H.-G. Evers (1997): Zur Geschichte von Tanichthys albonubes und Hemigrammocypris lini. Aquaristik Fachmagzin 30 (6) TI #144: 40-46
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
