Scissortail Rasbora (Rasbora trilineata) 2.5-3cm

Common name: Scissortail Rasbora
Scientific name: Rasbora trilineata

Quick Overview

• Family: Cyprinidae
• Adult size: 12–15 cm (5–6 in)
• Lifespan: 5–8 years
• Temperament: Peaceful, active schooling fish
• Difficulty: Easy (hardy and adaptable)

Identification & Appearance

• Sleek silver body with three thin horizontal lines running nose to tail
• Long, deeply forked tail often edged in black—when schooling, tails cross like scissors (hence the name)
• Mature adults develop a graceful, streamlined look; juveniles are slimmer and less defined

Natural Origin & Habitat

• Native to Thailand, Malaysia, Sumatra, and Borneo
• Inhabits:
  • Rivers and large streams
  • Flooded forest margins
  • Areas with moderate current and open swimming space
• Water is usually soft to moderately hard, slightly acidic to neutral

Aquarium Care

Tank Size & Setup

• Minimum tank: 40 gallons (long tanks preferred)
• Ideal: 55–75 gallons for a proper school
• Aquascape tips:
  • Open swimming space in the middle
  • Plants along edges and back
  • Driftwood or smooth stones optional
  • Moderate water flow appreciated

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 23–28 °C (73–82 °F)
• pH: 6.0–7.5
• Hardness: 5–15 dGH
• Very tolerant as long as water quality is stable

Social Behavior & Stocking

• Must be kept in groups of at least 6, ideally 8–12+
• In small groups they:
  • Become nervous
  • Show fin-nipping behavior
• In proper numbers they are:
  • Calm
  • Spectacular schooling fish
  • Completely community-safe

Good tankmates:

• Larger tetras
• Other rasboras
• Rainbowfish
• Corydoras
• Peaceful loaches
• Gouramis

Avoid:

• Very small nano fish (may intimidate them)
• Aggressive or highly territorial species

Diet

• Omnivorous and unfussy
• Accepts:
  • High-quality flakes and pellets
  • Frozen foods (brine shrimp, bloodworms)
  • Live foods for conditioning
• Feed 1–2 times daily; they are active eaters

Breeding Notes (Rare in Home Aquaria)

• Egg scatterers
• No parental care
• Spawning is uncommon without very large, planted systems
• Eggs and fry are typically eaten in community tanks