Scissortail Rasbora

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.

Min Tank
40 gal
Max Size
6"
Temperature
72-79°F
pH
6-7.5
Lifespan
9 years
School Size
6+
Swim Level
middle
Hardness
5-15 dGH
peacefulbeginneromnivoreschooling

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
7279°F
pH Range
67.5
Hardness (dGH)
515
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

40 gallon

Compatible Tank Mates

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