Rasbora trilineata, or Scissortail Rasbora, is a medium-sized, peaceful freshwater fish known for its forked tail and energetic swimming.
Overview
Rasbora trilineata, commonly called the Scissortail Rasbora, is a medium-sized freshwater fish found in Southeast Asia, particularly in rivers and lakes of Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Known for its distinctive forked tail, which resembles a pair of scissors in motion, this fish can grow up to 12 cm in length. Its sleek silver body and black line running from head to tail make it a popular choice for community tanks.
Tank Requirements
Scissortail Rasboras are active swimmers that require a spacious tank, with a minimum size of 100 liters. These fish thrive in water temperatures between 24-28°C, with a pH range of 6.0-7.5 and a general hardness (GH) of 5-12. The tank should be well-aerated with a moderate flow, as they enjoy swimming against currents. A combination of open swimming areas and plants for occasional shelter is ideal.
Feeding and Diet
In the wild, Rasbora trilineata feeds on small invertebrates and insects. In aquariums, they will readily accept a variety of foods, including high-quality flakes, pellets, and live or frozen options like daphnia, bloodworms, and brine shrimp. To keep them healthy, offer a varied diet and feed them 1-2 times a day.
Care and Maintenance
Rasbora trilineata is relatively easy to care for, as long as their water quality is maintained. Weekly water changes of 20-30% are recommended, and a good filtration system will help keep the water clean. These fish are not overly sensitive to water parameters, making them suitable for intermediate aquarists. Be sure to provide a covered tank, as they are known to jump when startled.
Compatibility
Scissortail Rasboras are peaceful and get along well with other community fish. They do best when kept in groups of at least six, as they are a schooling species. Suitable tankmates include tetras, gouramis, and other similarly sized, peaceful fish. Avoid keeping them with aggressive species or fin-nippers, as they may become stressed.
Breeding
Breeding Rasbora trilineata in captivity is moderately challenging. They are egg scatterers, and spawning can be induced by gradually raising the water temperature to around 26-28°C. Provide a separate breeding tank with soft, slightly acidic water, and use fine-leaved plants for the eggs to adhere to. The eggs will hatch in about 24-36 hours, and the fry can be fed infusoria or liquid fry food initially, before transitioning to larger foods like baby brine shrimp as they grow.