Scissortail Rasbora (Rasbora trilineata)
Bring graceful movement and a shimmering silver appearance to your freshwater aquarium with the Scissortail Rasbora, a popular schooling fish known for its distinctive deeply forked tail. Its elegant swimming style, peaceful nature, and attractive markings make it a wonderful choice for planted aquariums and community fish tanks.
The Scissortail Rasbora gets its name from the way its tail opens and closes like a pair of scissors. The contrasting bars on the tail fin accentuate this unique shape, while its streamlined body reflects light with a beautiful silver iridescence. When kept in a group, these active fish create a lively, natural-looking display as they move through the aquarium.
Appearance & Behaviour
This sleek, active rasbora can grow to approximately 3.5 inches (8 cm). It is a true schooling fish and is best kept in a group of at least six. A larger group can encourage more natural swimming behaviour and help the fish feel secure.
Scissortail Rasboras are generally peaceful and spend much of their time in the middle and upper levels of the aquarium. Their energetic swimming makes them especially appealing to hobbyists who enjoy watching a coordinated school move through a spacious freshwater setup.
Ideal Aquarium Setup
The Scissortail Rasbora is well suited to a planted community aquarium with open swimming space and gentle to moderate water movement. A natural aquascape with aquatic plants, aquarium sand or gravel, and suitable aquarium lighting can enhance its silver colours and provide a comfortable environment.
For long-term care, use a reliable aquarium filter, maintain stable water conditions, and avoid overcrowding. A minimum tank size of 20 gallons is commonly recommended for a small group, with a larger aquarium preferred as the school grows.
Water Parameters & Care
- Scientific Name: Rasbora trilineata
- Common Name: Scissortail Rasbora
- Water Type: Freshwater
- Adult Size: Approximately 3.5 inches (8 cm)
- Life Expectancy: Around 5 years
- Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
- Temperature: 23–25°C (73–78°F)
- pH: 6.6–7.0
- Water Hardness: 2–12 dGH
- Diet: Omnivorous
- Temperament: Peaceful
Provide a varied diet, regular water changes, and proper acclimation when introducing new fish. Stable water quality and adequate swimming space are important for maintaining healthy, active rasboras.
Diet & Tankmates
Scissortail Rasboras are omnivorous and can be fed a balanced diet of quality flakes, small pellets, and suitable frozen or live foods. Offering variety helps support good condition and natural feeding behaviour.
They are generally compatible with peaceful community fish such as tetras, danios, gouramis, corydoras, and other suitable catfish. Depending on aquarium size and temperament, they may also be kept with compatible livebearers and larger peaceful fish such as angelfish or discus. Always choose tankmates that share similar water requirements and will not intimidate or prey on smaller fish.
Buy Scissortail Rasbora Online
Explore the Scissortail Rasbora at Chennai Aquarium and discover a wide range of ornamental fish, aquarium products, fish tanks, aquatic plants, aquarium filters, lighting, and accessories for your freshwater setup. Whether you are building a planted aquarium or adding a peaceful schooling fish to your community tank, this elegant rasbora is a beautiful choice.
Shop Scissortail Rasbora at Chennai Aquarium and create a lively, colourful freshwater aquarium.
