Scissortail Rasbora

Rasbora trilineata

The scissortail rasbora, Rasbora trilineata, is a streamlined schooling fish from Southeast Asian rivers, streams, floodplains, and peat-influenced waters. It has a silver body, clear fins, and a deeply forked tail marked with black and pale bands that open and close like scissors as the fish swims. Adults can reach a size that surprises aquarists used to smaller rasboras, so they are better suited to medium and larger community tanks. In the wild they move through open water in groups, feeding on small insects, crustaceans, worms, and drifting plant or detrital material.

Aquarium care centers on swimming space and social grouping. A long, covered tank is useful because scissortail rasboras are active and can jump when startled. They do well in groups of at least six to eight with peaceful tankmates that are not small enough to be viewed as food. Stable tropical water, moderate current, shaded planting, and open midwater space suit them better than cramped decorative setups. They accept quality flakes or pellets along with frozen or live foods. Breeding is possible but not common in casual community tanks; they scatter eggs among plants, and adults may eat the spawn.