Scissortail rasbora

Overview

The scissortail rasbora (Rasbora trilineata) is a sleek, silvery, active schooling fish named for its deeply forked, black-and-white barred tail that flicks like scissor blades as it swims. Larger and faster than the popular dwarf rasboras, it is a peaceful, hardy fish that brings constant, coordinated movement to a roomy community tank. A shoal snapping their tails in unison is a hypnotic sight.

Tank & water

Being large and fast, a shoal needs at least 110 litres (30 gallons) with plenty of length. Key points:

• Temperature: hold 22–26 °C with a reliable heater.
• Water: adaptable at pH 6.0–7.5 and soft to moderately hard water.
• Filtration and flow: they enjoy some current — a filter with good turnover suits their stream origins.
• A tight lid: they are accomplished jumpers, so always keep the tank securely covered.

Feeding

Scissortail rasboras are unfussy omnivores. Feed a quality flake or micro-pellet staple with frozen or live foods — daphnia, bloodworm, brine shrimp — as regular treats. They feed eagerly at the surface and mid-water. Feed small amounts once or twice a day, only what they clear quickly.

Tankmates

Peaceful and active, they suit robust, similarly paced community fish: larger tetras, boesemani rainbowfish, zebra danios, gouramis and peaceful corydoras. Avoid very small fish that could be intimidated and slow, timid species. Keep a shoal of six or more — see best community fish for beginners.

Common mistakes to avoid

• A tank too small for their size and speed
• Leaving the tank uncovered (they jump)
• Keeping too few, which leaves them nervous
• Housing them with tiny, timid tankmates

Give scissortail rasboras a long, covered tank and a proper shoal, and their flicking, barred tails make a mesmerising, easy centrepiece.