Scissortail Rasbora

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Scientific Name

Rasbora trilineata

Min. Tank Size

30 gallons

Personality

Peaceful

Temperature

73-77° F

pH

6.0-8.0/5-12°dGH

Size

6"

Diet

Omnivore

Breeding

Egglayer

Compatibility

Larger Tetras, Angelfish, Rasboras, Discus, Corydora Cats, and Barbs.

Scissortail Rasbora

Second in popularity behind the Harlequin Rasbora, the Scissortail Rasbora is significantly larger and lacks the bright coloration of its cousin. The defining characteristic of this fish is its distinctive forked tail which gives this species its name. Both lobes of the tail are stark white, each one ornamented with a black patch. As these fish swim, their tails open and close with a slight scissorlike motion and their silver bodies reflect light.

Tank Set-Up

Scissortail Rasboras are generally peaceful but, because of their large size, should not be kept with small fish. Scissortail Rasboras make excellent additions to the large community tank stocked with other cyprinids, especially when kept with groups of six or more of their own species. These fish prefer planted tanks that provide plenty of open swimming space and also enjoy tank furnishings like driftwood, water-worn boulders and dark substrate.

Feeding

In the wild, these Rasboras feed on both aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates, especially insects. In the home aquarium, however, these fish will accept many different foods. Offer these Rasboras a staple diet of high-quality flake foods supplemented with live and frozen foods such as Daphnia, brine shrimp and Artemia to encourage healthy coloration.

Breeding

Scissortail Rasboras are egg scatterers and are one of the easiest Rasboras to breed. These fish spawn readily in densely-planted tanks but should be removed from the tank following spawning because they are likely to eat their eggs and young. The breeding tank should be kept at a neutral to slightly acidic pH and maintained at a temperature around 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. After spawning, the eggs typically hatch between 218 and 48 and 48 hours later and the fry will become free swimming within the next two days.