Scissortail rasbora

Rasbora trilineata

FreshwaterFish

Care at a glance

Temperature: 72–77°F (22–25°C)
pH: 6.0–7.5
Adult size: 5.5 in (14 cm)
Minimum tank: 45 gal (170 L)
Temperament: Peaceful
Social behavior: Schooling
Swim level: Middle
Difficulty: Easy
Breeding: Hard
Rarity: Rare
Origin: South East Asia
Family: Cyprinidae

Overview

Scissortail rasboras are peaceful, active shoaling fish that should be kept in a group of at least six, and preferably more, so they swim boldly in the open rather than hanging back. They are strong swimmers of the middle water that grow larger than many rasboras, so they suit a spacious community with other calm, active fish of similar size. They are easy to feed, taking flake, pellets, and frozen or live foods. A secure lid helps, as active shoals can be startled into jumping. A tank around 170 liters or larger gives this sizable, energetic rasbora the length it needs.

In the wild

The scissortail rasbora is widespread across Southeast Asia, living in rivers, streams, and flooded areas that range from clear flowing water to softer forest streams. It is comfortable in warm water of about 22–25 C and a pH of 6.0–7.5. Set up a roomy tank with some current, a base of sand and gravel, and driftwood and rounded rock. Plant the sides and back and keep a long, open central lane, since this is an active fish that spends its day swimming and appreciates room to move.

Good to know

Rasbora trilineata is one of the larger members of the family Cyprinidae kept as a community fish, reaching around 14 cm. Its species name trilineata refers to the faint lines along its body, while its common name comes from the deeply forked tail marked with bold black and white bands. It is an egg scattering, non guarding spawner, and breeding it deliberately in the aquarium is difficult and rarely done at home.

Did you know

The scissortail earns its name from its deeply forked tail, whose black and white barred lobes open and close as the fish hovers and swims, flicking like the blades of a pair of scissors. That constant snipping motion makes even a still, hovering fish easy to spot in the tank.