The Scissortail Rasbora is a peaceful and stunning schooling fish from Southeast Asia. Scissortail Rasboras are easy to care for and make a great addition to any freshwater aquarium.
They belong to the Cyprinidae family, which contains over 3,000 species of fish, including carp, barbs, and danios. The Scissortail Rasbora is a small fish growing only about 3 inches long.
Despite their small size, they are very active swimmers and do their best in an aquarium with plenty of space to swim around.
The Scissortail Rasbora is also known as the three-lined Rasbora due to the three distinctive black lines that run along their bodies. These fish are straightforward to care for and make a great addition to any freshwater aquarium.
This guide will cover everything you need to know about caring for Scissortail Rasboras, including their lifespan, diet, habitat, tank mates, and more.
So without further ado, let's get started!
Table of Contents
- Species Summary
- Scissortail Rasbora Care
- Scissortail Rasbora Food & Diet
- Scissortail Rasbora Diet Foods To Avoid
- The Importance Of A Healthy Diet
- Feeding Schedule
- Scissortail Rasbora Tank Size
- Scissortail Rasbora Water Parameters
- Substrate
- Filtration
- Heating
- Plants
- Lighting
- Fertilizers
- Co2 Systems
- Water Conditioners
- Decorations
- Other Tank Accessories
- Water Changes
- Cleaning The Tank
- Cleaning The Filter
- Testing The Water
- Scissortail Rasbora Common Possible Diseases
- Signs That Your Scissortail Rasbora Is Sick
- Scissortail Rasbora Preventing Diseases
- Scissortail Rasbora Treatment And Medications Of Diseases
- How To Choose A Healthy Scissortail Rasbora
- Scissortail Rasbora Tank Mates
- Scissortail Rasbora Fish To Avoid
- Advantages Of Having Scissortail Rasbora In Your Tank
- Disadvantages Of Having Scissortail Rasbora In Your Tank
- Wrapping Up
Species Summary
| Scientific name: | Rasbora Trilineata |
| Common names: | Scissortail Rasbora, three-lined Rasbora |
| Family: | Cyprinidae |
| Color: | Silver with shades of white or gold with black markings |
| Origin: | Southeast Asia |
| Distribution: | Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Borneo, Sumatra |
| Size: | 3.5 inches |
| Life expectancy: | 4-7 years |
| Habitat: | They are found in slow-moving streams and rivers with plenty of vegetation |
| Behavior: | They are peaceful and schooling fish |
| Minimum tank size: | 20 gallons |
| Temperature range: | 73°-78°Fahrenheit |
| pH range: | 6.6-7.0 |
| Water type: | Freshwater |
| Water hardness: | 2-12 dGH |
| Activity Level: | Moderate |
| Sociability: | Schooling fish |
| Tankmates: | Peaceful fish |
| Gender Differences: | Males are smaller than females, with longer fins |
| Care Level: | Easy |
| Temperament: | Passive |
| Compatibility: | Other peaceful fish |
| Breeding method: | They are Egg Scatterers |
| Breeding Difficulty: | Easy |
| Diet: | They are omnivores pellets, flakes, live, and frozen foods. |
| Feeding Frequency: | 2-3 times a day |
The Scissortail Rasbora thrives in tropical environments, slow-moving rivers, and streams with plenty of vegetation. They are peaceful and schooling fish that does best in an aquarium with plenty of space to swim around.
More recently, they have been found in Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Borneo, and Sumatra.
The Scissortail Rasbora has been successfully bred in captivity and is a popular fish among aquarists. They are easy to care for and make a great addition to any freshwater aquarium.
They are readily available and cost between $5 and $10. But, the price may vary depending on the size and color of the fish.
Scissortail Rasbora Appearance
Scissortail Rasboras are small, silver-colored fish with three black lines running along their bodies. The fins of the males are often longer and more elaborate than the females.
They are also known as the three-lined Rasbora due to the distinctive black lines running along their bodies. The Scissortail Rasbora's body is iridescent silver with shades of white or gold. The fins are often black with white tips.
The caudal fin is forked and moves in a scissor-like fashion, where they get their common name. These caudal fins are marked with yellow, black, and white stripes.
The Scissortail Rasbora is a small fish that is very active and does best in an aquarium with plenty of space for them to swim around.
During the spawning season, the color of the male Scissortail Rasbora becomes more intense, and their fins become longer. Unlike males, female Scissortail Rasboras show no significant color changes during the spawning season.
Scissortail Rasbora Size & Growth Rate
The size of the Scissortail Rasbora can range from 2 to 3.5 inches. They are small fish but very active swimmers and do their best in an aquarium with plenty of space to swim around.
The growth rate of the Scissortail Rasbora is relatively fast, and they can reach their full size within 6 to 12 months.
Scissortail Rasbora Lifespan
The lifespan of the Scissortail Rasbora is 4 to 7 years. It is not uncommon for them to live up to 10 years in captivity if they are well cared for.
However, it is essential to note that the lifespan of the Scissortail Rasbora can be significantly reduced if they are not kept in a good environment.
Scissortail Rasbora Behavior & Temperament
Scissortail Rasboras are peaceful fish that get along well with other peaceful fish. They are not aggressive and will not bother other fish.
These are schooling fish, so they should be kept in groups of at least 6. If they are kept in groups, they will be more active and happier. They are not suitable for reef aquariums because they may eat small invertebrates.
They are fast swimmers who usually swim at the aquarium's top. They also like to swim in and out of plants.
Scissortail Rasboras are easily startled, so it is essential to have a peaceful aquarium. They are not suitable for community aquariums with aggressive fish.
Scissortail Rasbora Breeding
Breeding Scissortail Rasboras is not tricky but requires some planning and preparation.
To breed them, you will need the following:
- A tank that is at least 20 gallons in size
- An aquarium heater
- An aquarium filter
- Live plants
- Moss or Java Fern
To breed Scissortail Rasboras, you must set up a breeding tank that is at least 20 gallons in size. The tank should be well-filtered and heated to 78 degrees Fahrenheit. The tank should also be heavily planted with live plants, moss, or Java Fern.
Once the breeding tank is set up, you must add a group of Scissortail Rasboras. The group should consist of 3-5 males and 3-5 females.
They will spawn in the morning hours. The female will lay her eggs on the plants, moss, or Java Fern. The male will then fertilize the eggs. The eggs will hatch in 24-48 hours. The fry will be free-swimming in 3-5 days.
The fry can be fed live brine shrimp or micro worms. They can also be fed commercial fry food. To care for the fry, you must do regular water changes. The fry is very sensitive to water quality and will not survive in poor conditions.
Scissortail Rasbora Care
Caring for Scissortail Rasboras is easy, making them a great addition to any freshwater aquarium. These fish are straightforward to care for and do well in most aquariums.
These fish are very active swimmers and do their best in an aquarium with plenty of space to swim around.
They are peaceful fish but are also very active. They do best in an aquarium with plenty of space to swim around. They are schools and do best when kept with other fish of their kind.
Scissortail Rasbora Food & Diet
Scissortail Rasboras feed on invertebrates like worms, insect larvae, and crustaceans in the wild. In the aquarium, these fish will accept various foods, pellets, live foods, and frozen foods.
They can also be fed brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, and tubifex worms. Feeding your Scissortail Rasbora various foods is essential to ensure they get all the necessary nutrients.
In snacks, they particularly enjoy insect larvae and crustaceans.
Scissortail Rasbora Diet Foods To Avoid
There are a few foods that you should avoid feeding them.
These foods include:
- Processed foods: Processed foods are not suitable for your Scissortail Rasbora. They can contain chemicals and preservatives that can be harmful to your fish.
- High-fat foods: High-fat foods are not suitable for your Scissortail Rasbora. They can cause health problems like obesity and heart disease.
- Sugary foods: Sugary foods are not going suitable for your Scissortail Rasbora. They can cause health problems like diabetes and obesity.
It is essential to avoid these foods when you are feeding them.
The Importance Of A Healthy Diet
A healthy diet is essential for your Scissortail Rasbora. A healthy diet will help to prevent disease and keep your fish healthy. A healthy diet should include a variety of foods high in nutrients.
Feeding your Scissortail Rasbora various foods is essential to ensure they get all the necessary nutrients.
Feeding Schedule
It is essential to feed your Scissortail Rasbora regularly. We recommend providing them 2-3 times a day.
It is also essential to feed them small meals. Overfeeding can cause health problems like obesity and diabetes.
Scissortail Rasbora Tank Size
The minimum tank size for Scissortail Rasboras is 20 gallons. They are small fish but very active swimmers and do their best in an aquarium with plenty of space to swim around. These fish are schooling fish and do best when kept in groups of 6 or more.
When setting up your tank, you must use a good filter and plenty of hiding places for your fish. These fish like to swim in the middle and upper levels of the tank. They do not do well if the water is too deep.
Scissortail Rasbora Water Parameters
The Scissortail Rasbora is a tropical fish that does best in warm water, between 73° to 78° Fahrenheit. They are susceptible to changes in water conditions, and ensuring the aquarium is well-maintained is essential.
They are also susceptible to ammonia and nitrites, so using a good filter and regular water changes is essential. The pH of the water should be between 6.6 to 7.0.
The water hardness should be between 2 to 12 dH.
It is also essential to use good aquarium salt to help your fish's health.
Substrate
The Scissortail Rasbora does best in a tank that is moderately planted. They prefer plants that are low-maintenance and do not require a lot of substrates. We recommend using an aquarium substrate that is safe for use with plants.
Some recommended aquarium substrates for them are:
- The Seachem Fluorite
- The API Garden soil
- The Eco-Complete Planted Aquarium Substrate
Filtration
Filtration is essential when keeping Scissortail Rasboras. These fish are susceptible to changes in water conditions, and ensuring that the aquarium is well-maintained is essential.
They are also susceptible to ammonia and nitrites, so using a good filter and regular water changes is essential. A good filter will help to keep the water clean and will also help to keep the nitrites and ammonia levels low.
Some recommended filters for them are:
- The Fluval 304
- The Aqua Clear 20
- The Marineland Penguin Bio-Wheel Power Filter
Heating
The Scissortail Rasbora is a tropical fish that does best in warm water, between 73° to 78° Fahrenheit. They are susceptible to changes in water conditions, and ensuring the aquarium is well-maintained is essential.
Some recommended aquarium heaters for them are:
- The Eheim Jager Aquarium Heater
- The Fluval E Series Electronic Heater
- The Tetra HT Submersible Glass Aquarium Heater
Plants
The Scissortail Rasbora is a peaceful fish and does well in a planted aquarium. They prefer plenty of hiding places and often swim in and out of plants.
Some recommended plants for them are:
- Java Fern
- Anubias
- Bacopa
- Water Wisteria
Lighting
The Scissortail Rasbora does best in a tank that is moderately lit. They prefer dimmer lighting and do not need a lot of light.
Some recommended aquarium lights for them are:
- The Marineland Double Bright LED Light
- The Fluval Plant 3.0 LED Light
- The Aqua Culture LED Aquarium Hood
Fertilizers
The Scissortail Rasbora does best in a tank that is moderately planted. They prefer plants that are low-maintenance and do not require a lot of fertilization. We recommend using an all-purpose aquarium fertilizer that is safe for plant use.
Some recommended aquarium fertilizers for them are:
- The Seachem Flourish Tabs
- The API Leaf Zone Plant Food
- The Nutrafin Plant-Gro Fertilizer
Co2 Systems
The Scissortail Rasbora does best in a tank that is moderately planted. They prefer plants that are low-maintenance and do not require a lot of Co2. We recommend using an aquarium Co2 system that is safe for use with plants.
Some recommended aquarium Co2 systems for them are:
- The Seachem Flourish Excel
- The API CO2 Booster
- The Fluval Plant and aquarium Co2 System
Water Conditioners
The Scissortail Rasbora does best in a well-oxygenated tank with a moderate flow. They prefer water that is clean and free of debris. We recommend using an aquarium water conditioner that is safe for use with fish.
Some recommended aquarium water conditioners for them are:
- The Seachem Prime
- The API Stress Coat +
- The Nutrafin Aqua Plus
Decorations
The Scissortail Rasbora does best in a tank that is moderately planted. They prefer low-maintenance plants that do not require a lot of decorations. We recommend using aquarium decorations that are safe for use with fish.
Some recommended aquarium decorations for them are:
- The Penn-Plax Aquarium Decor
- The Jungle Vallisneria Plant
- The Drs. Foster & Smith Driftwood
Other Tank Accessories
There are a few other things that you will need for your Scissortail Rasbora tank.
These include:
- The Aqua Culture 10-gallon fishnet
- The Fluval Edge algae magnet
- The API Freshwater Master Test Kit
Water Changes
It is essential to do regular water changes for your Scissortail Rasbora. We recommend changing the water every week. This will help to keep the water quality high and prevent problems such as disease and stress.
It also helps to remove any unwanted toxins from the water. To do a water change, you will need the following:
- A siphon: This is used to remove the water from the tank.
- A clean bucket: This is used to hold the water that is being removed from the tank.
- Freshwater: This replaces the water being removed from the tank.
The steps for performing a water change are as follows:
- Use the siphon to remove 10-20% of the water from the tank.
- Pour the freshwater into the clean bucket.
- Use the siphon to remove the dirty water from the bucket and dispose of it properly.
- Pour the fresh water into the tank.
- Repeat steps 1-4 as needed.
Cleaning The Tank
It is essential to keep the tank clean for your Scissortail Rasbora. We recommend cleaning the tank every week. This will help to prevent problems such as disease and stress.
To clean the tank, you will need the following:
- An algae scrubber: This is used to remove algae from the glass.
- A sponge: Used to wipe down the inside of the tank.
- A gravel vacuum: Used to remove debris and waste from the substrate.
The steps for cleaning the tank are as follows:
- Use the algae scrubber to remove algae from the glass.
- Wipe down the inside of the tank with the sponge.
- Vacuum the substrate with the gravel vacuum.
- Repeat steps 1-3 as needed.
Cleaning The Filter
It is essential to keep the filter clean for your Scissortail Rasbora. We recommend cleaning the filter every month. This will help to prevent problems such as disease and stress.
To clean the filter, you will need the following:
- A sponge: This is used to wipe down the inside of the filter.
- A filter cleaner bottle is used to clean the filter media.
The steps for cleaning the filter are as follows:
- Unplug the filter and remove it from the tank.
- Disassemble the filter and remove the media.
- Clean the media with the filter cleaner.
- Reassemble the filter and put it back in the tank.
- Repeat steps 1-4 as needed.
Testing The Water
It is essential to test the water quality regularly. We recommend testing the water every week. This will help to prevent problems such as disease and stress.
To test the water, you will need the following:
- An API Freshwater Master Test Kit: This is used to test the water quality.
The steps for testing the water are as follows:
- Fill the test tube with water from the tank.
- Add the appropriate number of drops to each solution.
- Compare the colors to the chart included in the kit.
- Repeat steps 1-3 as needed.
Scissortail Rasbora Common Possible Diseases
There are a few diseases that your Scissortail Rasbora might get.
The most common ones are:
- Ich
- Chilodonella
- Columnaris
- Velvet
- Fin rot
Signs That Your Scissortail Rasbora Is Sick
There are a few signs that you can look for that will let you know if your Scissortail Rasbora is sick. These signs include:
- White spots on the body
- Scratching against objects in the tank
- Cloudy appearance
- Ulcers on the body
- Red streaks on the body
- Fraying or rotting of the fins
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
If you see any of these signs, you must immediately take your fish to the veterinarian.
Scissortail Rasbora Preventing Diseases
There are a few things that you can do to help prevent disease in your Scissortail Rasbora.
These things include:
- Quarantine new fish: When you add new fish to your tank, it is essential to quarantine them for at least two weeks. This will help to prevent the spread of disease.
- Change the water regularly: It is essential to regularly change the water in your tank. We recommend changing the water at least once a week.
- Clean the tank regularly: It is essential to clean the tank regularly. We recommend cleaning the tank at least once a month.
- Don'tDon't overfeed your fish: Overfeeding them can cause stress, making them more susceptible to disease.
Scissortail Rasbora Treatment And Medications Of Diseases
If your Scissortail Rasbora does get sick, there are a few things that you can do to help them.
These things include:
- Saltwater dip: A saltwater dip can help to kill parasites and bacteria. To do a saltwater dip, you will need to add 1 cup of salt for every gallon of water.
- Freshwater bath: A freshwater bath can help to kill parasites and bacteria. To do a freshwater bath, you will need to add 1 cup of bleach for every gallon of water.
- Antibiotics: Antibiotics can help to kill bacteria. You will need to take your fish to the veterinarian to get antibiotics.
Treating diseases as soon as possible is essential, as they can be fatal to the fish.
How To Choose A Healthy Scissortail Rasbora
When you are choosing a Scissortail Rasbora, it is essential to choose a healthy fish. There are a few things that you can look for that will let you know if the fish is healthy.
These things include:
- The fish should have clear eyes
- The fish should have smooth scales
- The fish should have a healthy appetite
- The fish should be active
If you see any of these signs, choosing that fish is a good idea.
Scissortail Rasbora Tank Mates
Scissortail Rasboras are peaceful fish that get along well with other peaceful fish. They are not suitable for community aquariums with aggressive fish.
Some good tank mates for them include:
They are also compatible with most plants. They will not eat plants, and they will help to keep the aquarium clean.
Scissortail Rasbora Fish To Avoid
They are not aggressive fish, so they should not be kept with aggressive fish. Some fish that you should avoid keeping with Scissortail Rasboras include:
Advantages Of Having Scissortail Rasbora In Your Tank
The first advantage is that they are very peaceful fish that will not bother other fish. They are also schooling fish, so they should be kept in groups of at least 6. This will make them more active and happier.
The second advantage is that they are easy to care for and are not picky eaters. They are also compatible with most plants.
The third advantage is that they are easy to breed. The fry is very sensitive to water quality, so you must do regular water changes.
Disadvantages Of Having Scissortail Rasbora In Your Tank
The first disadvantage is that they are easily startled, so it is essential to have a peaceful aquarium. They are not suitable for community aquariums with aggressive fish.
The second disadvantage is that they are unsuitable for reef aquariums because they may eat small invertebrates.
The third disadvantage is that they are not very tolerant of changes in water parameters. They are also sensitive to poor water quality.
Wrapping Up
Scissortail Rasboras are beautiful fish that are easy to care for. They are best kept in at least six groups and do well in most community aquariums. They are not suitable for reef aquariums because they may eat small invertebrates.
Breeding them is not difficult but requires some planning and preparation. The fry is very sensitive to water quality and will not survive in poor conditions.
Overall, they are great fish for beginner aquarium hobbyists. They are easy to care for, and they are not picky eaters. If you are looking for a peaceful fish that is easy to care for, then the Scissortail Rasbora is an excellent choice.
I hope this article was helpful and informative. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below. Thanks for reading!
