Why does the Scissortail Rasbora flick its tail?

The rhythmic twitching of the tail fin, which looks like scissors opening and closing, helps the fish maintain its position in flowing water and acts as a visual signal to coordinate movement with the rest of the shoal.

How big do Scissortail Rasboras get?

They are often sold as small juveniles, but they are a surprisingly large rasbora species. Given proper care and space, adults typically reach 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 inches) in length.

Can I keep Scissortail Rasboras in a 60-litre tank?

No, a 60-litre tank is far too small. Because of their adult size and incredibly active swimming habits, they require a tank at least 120 cm (4 feet) long, typically equating to 200 litres or more.

Are Scissortail Rasboras fin nippers?

Not at all. They are completely peaceful and focus entirely on swimming and eating. However, their fast movements can sometimes stress out very slow, long-finned tankmates.

Will they eat my cherry shrimp?

While completely peaceful towards other fish, fully grown Scissortail Rasboras have mouths large enough to swallow juvenile or even adult dwarf shrimp like Neocaridina. Larger shrimp like Amanos are generally safe.

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Scissortail Rasbora

Rasbora trilineata

A sleek, silvery, and highly active schooling fish, instantly recognisable by its distinctive twitching tail pattern.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 22 – 26 °C
pH range: 6 – 7.5
Hardness: 2 – 12 dGH
Adult size: 10 – 15 cm
Minimum 120cm (4ft) tank length required: 200 litres+
Lifespan: 5 – 8 years
Diet: Omnivorous; thrives on high-quality flakes, micro-pellets, and regular offerings of live or frozen bloodworm, Daphnia, and brine shrimp.
Water flow: Moderate to strong
Preferred setup: Spacious open swimming areas in the upper and middle levels, flanked by dense vegetation or driftwood.

About the Scissortail Rasbora

The Scissortail Rasbora (Rasbora trilineata) is a classic in the aquarium hobby, treasured for its streamlined torpedo-shaped body and signature black-and-white patterned caudal fin. As it swims, it frequently twitches its tail, mimicking the action of a pair of scissors, which gives the species its common name. Though largely silver and unassuming in still photos, a school of these fish in motion creates a dazzling, dynamic display in larger aquariums.

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Where Scissortail Rasbora comes from

Native range

Southeast Asia, Mekong Basin, Chao Phraya Basin, Greater Sunda Islands

Countries / regions

Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos

Habitat

Inhabits flowing forest rivers, sluggish blackwater streams, and flooded swamps, often in tannin-stained waters.

Widely distributed across Southeast Asia, leading to slight regional variations in size and coloration.

Similar species

Red-tailed Rasbora
Rasbora borapetensis
Brilliant Rasbora
Rasbora einthovenii
Harlequin Rasbora
Trigonostigma heteromorpha

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

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Congo Tetra
Phenacogrammus interruptus
Shares a similar size, robust nature, and requirement for ample swimming space.
Great
Clown Loach
Chromobotia macracanthus
An active bottom dweller from the same geographical region that perfectly complements the mid-to-top swimming habits of the rasbora.
Great
Keyhole Cichlid
Cleithracara maronii
A peaceful, medium-sized cichlid that will not bother the fast-moving rasboras.
Great
Cherry Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi
Fully grown Scissortails can reach 15cm and may opportunistically prey on small dwarf shrimp.
Compatible with caution
Siamese Fighting Fish (Betta)
Betta splendens
The hyperactive nature of the rasboras will stress a Betta and likely outcompete it for food.
Not recommended

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