It was only discovered in 2001, in a tributary of the Bến Hải River in Quảng Bình Province, Vietnam.

It is similar in appearance to the White Cloud Mountain minnow (T. albonubes), the most familiar member of its genus, which is a commonly sold freshwater aquarium fish.

Some older males develop spectacular elongated dorsal and anal fins.

They are peaceful, though males constantly challenge one another, harmlessly, and do well with a variety of fish, such as cyprinids, catfish, loaches, and tetras.

Like T. albonubes the species spawns in pairs along plants; in a well-planted aquarium adults do not seek out their eggs, nor do they harm juveniles: consequently a founder population of males and females will maintain itself indefinitely, under suitable aquarium conditions.