Scissortail Rasbora
Rasbora trilineata
Minimum Tank
30 Gallons
Adult Size
6 inches
Temperature
73-78°F (23-26°C)
pH Range
6.0-7.5
Lifespan
6 years
School Size
6+ fish
About Scissortail Rasbora
The scissortail rasbora is an elegant, moderately sized fish from the rivers and floodplains of Malaysia, Borneo, and Sumatra. It gets its name from the deeply forked tail fin with bold black and white markings that open and close like scissors as the fish swims, creating a distinctive flickering effect. The body is sleek and silvery with a subtle golden lateral line. Scissortail rasboras are active, fast-swimming schoolers that need ample horizontal space and create a beautiful display of coordinated movement. At up to 6 inches, they are among the largest rasbora species and serve as a mid-water centerpiece school for larger community aquariums.
Care Requirements
Tank Setup
- • Minimum 30-gallon tank required
- • Temperature: 73-78°F (23-26°C)
- • pH: 6.0 - 7.5
- • Category: Rasbora
Diet & Feeding
- • Diet type: Omnivore
- • Feed 1-2 times daily
- • Varied diet recommended
Tank Mate Compatibility
Compatible With
Avoid Keeping With
Care Tips
Expert Tips
Scissortail rasboras need a spacious tank of at least 40 gallons due to their active swimming and larger adult size of up to 6 inches. Keep them in schools of at least six for the best schooling behavior. They prefer slightly soft, acidic to neutral water at 73-77°F with moderate flow. Provide plenty of open swimming space with planted areas along the sides and back. They are peaceful and make excellent companions for other medium-sized community fish. A tight-fitting lid is essential, as they are excellent jumpers. Feed quality flakes and pellets supplemented with frozen foods. They are generally hardy once established but may be sensitive during initial acclimation.
Quick Facts
114L
Min Tank (30gal)
15cm
Adult Size (6")
6yr
Lifespan
6+
Min School
Build Your Perfect Community Tank
Find compatible tankmates for your Scissortail Rasbora
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Tank Mates for Scissortail Rasbora
Species from our database with overlapping water parameters, compatible temperaments and a realistic shared tank size.
Neon Dwarf Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia praecox
easy · 20+ gal
Celebes Rainbowfish
Marosatherina ladigesi
moderate · 20+ gal
Odessa Barb
Pethia padamya
easy · 20+ gal
Penguin Tetra
Thayeria boehlkei
easy · 20+ gal
Similar Care Level
Other easy-care species that suit a comparable setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tank does a Scissortail Rasbora need?
A Scissortail Rasbora needs a minimum tank size of 30 gallons (114 litres). They should be kept in schools of at least 6.
What water parameters does a Scissortail Rasbora need?
Scissortail Rasbora thrive in water between 73-78°F (23-26°C) with a pH of 6.0-7.5.
Are Scissortail Rasbora easy to care for?
Scissortail Rasbora are considered easy to care for. They are peaceful fish with a lifespan of about 6 years.
How big do Scissortail Rasbora get and what do they eat?
Scissortail Rasbora reach about 6 inches and are omnivores. Scissortail rasboras need a spacious tank of at least 40 gallons due to their active swimming and larger adult size of up to 6 inches. Keep them in schools of at least six for the best schooling behavior. They prefer slightly soft, acidic to neutral water at 73-77°F with moderate flow. Provide plenty of open swimming space with planted areas along the sides and back. They are peaceful and make excellent companions for other medium-sized community fish. A tight-fitting lid is essential, as they are excellent jumpers. Feed quality flakes and pellets supplemented with frozen foods. They are generally hardy once established but may be sensitive during initial acclimation.