Scissortail Rasbora
Rasbora trilineata
A highly active, streamlined schooling fish named for its deeply forked tail with black and white bands. As they swim, the tail stripes create a scissor-like opening and closing motion. While very peaceful, they are fast, restless swimmers that require long aquariums to thrive and may outcompete slower or shy tank mates for food.
Scissortail Rasbora At a Glance
Scissortail Rasbora Tank Requirements
Will Scissortail Rasbora fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Scissortail Rasbora needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Scissortail Rasbora against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Scissortail Rasbora Water Parameters
Scissortail Rasbora Temperament & Compatibility
Scissortail Rasbora Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard
The standard form available in the trade. Best kept in sizable schools of 6 or more to prevent stress and encourage natural schooling behavior.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Adult, Unsexed
Scissortail Rasbora Care Guide Summary
The Scissortail Rasbora, scientifically known as Rasbora trilineata, belongs to the Cyprinids family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 13 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as peaceful, this species primarily occupies the surface and mid-level zones of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Scissortail Rasbora requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 150 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 22°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 6–8 and a general hardness of 2–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
With modest requirements and a forgiving temperament, the Scissortail Rasbora is an excellent choice for beginners and seasoned hobbyists alike. The Scissortail Rasbora is typically available in one standard form.
Scissortail Rasbora Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Scissortail Rasbora, a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the surface and mid-level zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise adequate surface area with floating cover to make them feel secure near the waterline and open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement. Keepers should note that a tight-fitting lid is essential, as this species is a known jumper.
Scissortail Rasbora Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Scissortail Rasbora is a schooling species that feels most secure in a sizeable group, where natural shoaling behaviour reduces stress and brings out their best colours. When choosing tankmates, shy or slow-feeding tankmates may be outcompeted at feeding time and their energetic swimming style may stress more sedentary or timid species. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the surface and mid-level zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Who Scissortail Rasbora Is Actually For
Scissortail Rasbora is best for a fishkeeper who wants a species that can settle into a calmer community setup and can provide a keeper who can commit to a proper group of at least 6. It suits keepers who want a profile-driven species choice without a long list of specialist setup demands.
The most common mistake is buying Scissortail Rasbora for looks first and only later discovering how its adult size, behavior, or bioload changes the whole tank plan. Another frequent problem is underestimating its social needs. A token pair or trio often behaves very differently from a real group.
Scissortail Rasbora Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Scissortail Rasbora.
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
125 Gallon Standard
150 Gallon High
Frequently Asked Questions About Scissortail Rasbora
How big does Scissortail Rasbora get?
Scissortail Rasbora (Rasbora trilineata) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 13 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Scissortail Rasbora need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 150 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm are recommended for Scissortail Rasbora. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Scissortail Rasbora need?
Scissortail Rasbora thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 22–28°C, a pH between 6 and 8, and a general hardness of 2–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Scissortail Rasbora peaceful or aggressive?
Scissortail Rasbora is classified as peaceful with an aggression score of 1 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
How many Scissortail Rasbora should be kept together?
Scissortail Rasbora is a schooling species and should be kept in groups of at least 6. Larger groups help distribute aggression and encourage natural schooling behaviour.
Does Scissortail Rasbora need a lid on the tank?
Yes. Scissortail Rasbora is a known jumper, and a tight-fitting lid or cover is essential to prevent escape. Even a small gap can be enough for a determined fish to leap out.
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Guidarium Editorial Desk
Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.
- Last reviewed
- May 11, 2026
- Last updated
- May 11, 2026
- Issues or corrections?
- Contact the editorial team
Top Tank Mates for Scissortail Rasbora
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Scissortail Rasbora based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Spotted Hillstream Loach
Gastromyzon punctulatus
Ideal Tank MatesTrapdoor Snail
Cipangopaludina chinensis
Ideal Tank MatesSkunk Cory
Corydoras arcuatus
Ideal Tank MatesSan Juan Cory
Corydoras bilineatus
Ideal Tank MatesPetricola Catfish
Synodontis petricola
Ideal Tank MatesOrange Delight Shrimp
Caridina loehae
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Scissortail Rasbora
These plants pair well with Scissortail Rasbora based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
African Onion Plant
Crinum calamistratum
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Amazon Sword
Echinodorus amazonicus
Anacharis
Egeria densa
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Ashy Pipewort
Eriocaulon cinereum
Fish Similar to Scissortail Rasbora
Blackline Rasbora
Rasbora borapetensis
The Blackline Rasbora, often sold as the Red-tailed Rasbora, is a hardy and highly active schooling fish native to Southeast Asia. Recognizable by a bold black lateral line topped with gold and a bright red caudal fin, they are peaceful but energetic. They require plenty of horizontal swimming space in the middle to upper levels of the aquarium and must be kept in schools to feel secure.
Brilliant Rasbora
Rasbora einthovenii
The Brilliant Rasbora is a peaceful, highly active schooling fish native to the forest streams and peat swamps of Southeast Asia. Known for its shimmering silver body and distinct dark lateral stripe, they thrive in gently flowing, heavily planted blackwater setups with subdued lighting. They are known jumpers, requiring a tight-fitting lid.
Barred Rainbowfish
Chilatherina fasciata
A robust, active, and highly colorful schooling fish native to the clear, fast-flowing streams of New Guinea. They are named for the distinctive vertical black bars on their lower flanks. As highly active swimmers that do best in hard, alkaline water, they require a spacious, long aquarium (minimum 4 feet) with strong oxygenation and plenty of open swimming space.
Harlequin Rasbora
Trigonostigma heteromorpha
A highly popular, peaceful schooling fish recognizable by its metallic copper/orange body and the distinct black triangular 'porkchop' patch on its hindquarters. Originating from peat swamps and blackwater streams in Southeast Asia, they are active swimmers that thrive in heavily planted aquariums with gentle to moderate water flow.
Redline Rasbora
Rasbora pauciperforata
A slender, elegant schooling fish native to the blackwater peat swamps of Southeast Asia. Distinguished by a brilliant, glowing neon-red stripe running from its mouth to its tail. They are true blackwater fish, requiring soft, acidic water and plenty of tannins from leaf litter or driftwood to thrive and show their best colors. Peaceful but can be skittish if not kept in appropriately large schools with overhead cover.
Slender Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia gracilis
A streamlined and highly active schooling fish native to the Drysdale River system in Western Australia. Known for its slender body and subtle pastel colors with red-edged fins. They are peaceful but their fast, boisterous swimming can outcompete slower, shy fish for food. Needs a long aquarium with plenty of open swimming space.