Scissortail Rasbora (Rasbora trilineata) Care Guide
A graceful, active schooling fish named for its deeply forked tail with bold black and white markings that resemble scissors when opening and closing during swimming.
Overview
Rasbora trilineata is a species in the family Cyprinidae. A graceful, active schooling fish named for its deeply forked tail with bold black and white markings that resemble scissors when opening and closing during swimming. One of the largest rasboras, reaching 15cm. Hardy and peaceful.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cyprinidae
- Genus: Rasbora
- Scientific name: Rasbora trilineata
- Other names: Three-lined Rasbora
- Origin: Southeast Asia
Habitat
Native to the Mekong and Chao Phraya basins and the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra and Borneo. Inhabits flowing forest streams and rivers, often in large shoals near the surface. The deeply forked tail with black-and-white markings opens and closes like scissors as the fish swims.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 150 L
- Temperature: 23-28 °C
- pH: 6-7.5
- GH: 2-15 °dGH
- Water flow: moderate
- Adult size: 10-15 cm
- Lifespan: 5-7 years
- Recommended group size: ≥ 6
- Difficulty: beginner
Diet
Classified as omnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 2x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.
Compatibility
- Temperament: peaceful
- Swimming level: middle
- Compatible tank mates: Other Rasboras, Corydoras, Gouramis, Bala Shark
- Avoid with: Small Nano Fish, Aggressive Fish
Breeding
- Breeding strategy: egg-scatterer
- Breeding difficulty: intermediate