
Scissortail Rasbora
Rasbora trilineata
Family: Cyprinidae • Origin: Various
Scissortail Rasbora (Rasbora trilineata) is a peaceful barb reaching 6 inches. Keep in groups of 6+. Minimum tank size: 40 gallons.
Is Scissortail Rasbora Right for Your Tank?
Scissortail Rasbora is an excellent choice for beginners — rated "beginner" difficulty (1/5). They're hardy, forgiving of minor water parameter fluctuations, and generally easy to feed. They need at least 40 gallons — a mid-size tank commitment. Plan your space accordingly.
With a peaceful temperament, Scissortail Rasbora makes a great community fish. They coexist well with other non-aggressive species of similar size. This is a schooling species — keep at least 6 together, or they may become stressed and display abnormal behavior. Expected lifespan: 9 years with proper care.
Common Mistakes with Scissortail Rasbora
Keeping fewer than 6 together
Scissortail Rasbora is a schooling species — they need a group of at least 6 to feel secure. Lone or paired individuals become stressed, hide constantly, and may develop health issues or aggression.
Putting them in a tank under 40 gallons
Many beginners underestimate tank size needs. Scissortail Rasbora requires at least 40 gallons — ideally 60. Cramped tanks lead to stunted growth, aggression, and poor water quality.
Care Tips
- • Max size: 6 inches
- • Temperature: 72-79°F
- • pH: 6-7.5
- • Schooling — keep 6+ together
- • peaceful temperament — safe with community fish
Feeding: Standard omnivore diet. Accepts foods appropriate for Cyprinidae species.
Compatibility Notes: Typical peaceful Cyprinidae species.
Tank Setup & Water Parameters
Tank Requirements
- Minimum Tank Size
- 40 gallons
- Recommended Tank Size
- 60 gallons
- Swimming Level
- middle
- Minimum School Size
- 6+ fish
Water Parameters
- Temperature
- 72–79°F
- pH Range
- 6–7.5
- Hardness (dGH)
- 5–15
- Water Type
- freshwater
Behavior & Temperament
- Temperament
- peaceful
- Aggression Level
- 1/5
- Schooling
- Yes
- Territorial
- No
- Fin Nipper
- No
- Predatory
- No
- Diet Type
- omnivore
- Growth Rate
- moderate
Typical peaceful Cyprinidae species.
Breeding
- Breeding Type
- egg layer
- Breeding Difficulty
- moderate
- Lifespan
- 9 years
Ideal For
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