Scissortail Rasbora

The Scissortail Rasbora is an elegant, active fish named for its deeply forked tail that resembles open scissors. Native to Southeast Asian waterways, these streamlined silver fish feature a distinctive black and yellow pattern on each caudal fin lobe, creating a striking visual when they swim. Their sleek, torpedo-shaped bodies and constant movement make them an excellent choice for aquarists wanting to add activity and motion to their community tanks. Unlike some of their smaller rasbora cousins, Scissortail Rasboras are bold swimmers that utilize the entire water column. They are remarkably hardy and adaptable, tolerating a wide range of water conditions while maintaining their peaceful demeanor. When kept in proper schools, their synchronized swimming and flashing tail patterns create a captivating display.

Care Requirements

Tank Setup

Scissortail Rasboras need a spacious tank with ample swimming room due to their active nature and eventual size. A 30-gallon long tank is ideal as it provides the horizontal swimming space they prefer. While plants are appreciated for security, ensure there are significant open areas for their energetic swimming. Use a secure lid as they are skilled jumpers.

Water Quality

• Temperature: 72-79°F (22-26°C)
• pH: 6.0-7.5
• Water Hardness: Soft to moderate, 2-12 dGH
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: <20 ppm

Feeding

These omnivores accept a wide variety of foods. Offer high-quality flakes and small pellets as staples, supplemented with frozen or live foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms. Their active lifestyle means they have good appetites and will eagerly come to the surface for feeding time.

Behavior & Compatibility

Scissortail Rasboras are peaceful but energetic fish that should be kept in schools of 6 or more. They are suitable for larger community tanks with other peaceful species that can tolerate their active swimming style. They rarely show aggression and make excellent tank mates for similarly sized tetras, other rasboras, and peaceful bottom dwellers.

Tips for Success

• Keep in schools of 8-10 for the most impressive synchronized swimming displays
• Provide plenty of open swimming space; they will not do well in cramped or heavily cluttered tanks
• Their scissor-like tail movements are most visible with moderate water flow
• They appreciate some floating plants to diffuse bright lighting
• Excellent dither fish for larger, more timid species
• Regular water changes help maintain their silvery sheen and overall health