Scissortail | Rasbora trilineata
Cyprinds / Rasboras / Scissortail
Profile: Scissortail, Scissor tailed Rasbora, Three-lined Rasbora
Rasbora trilineata Synonyms: Rasbora calliura, R. stigmatura
Physical description: This elongated species has a forked caudal fin marked with characteristic black and white spots on the upper and lower lobes of the caudal fin. The back is silvery, olive-green and the rest of the body is silvery, occasionally with a green iridescence. A slender, gold lateral line runs from the gills cover to the caudal fin. Paralleling this, just below, is a faint black stripe.
Size/Length: To 6" (15 cm) in nature, although not usually larger than 4" (10 cm) in captivity.
Similar species: None
Habitat: Sill and slow-moving rivers and lakes. Southeast Asia; Borneo, Malay Peninsula, Sumatra
S: middle, top
Aquarium: A tank measuring 36" (91 cm) with a volume of 30 gallons (114 L) is sufficient, although full-grown fish should be moved to a tank of at least 48" (122 cm) long. Leave plenty of open swimming areas and plant the edges with plants. Use a dark substrate.
Water chemistry: pH 5.8-8 (6.8), 4-18 dH (8), 64-77°F (18-25°C)
Social behavior: A lively, schooling species that is a fine candidate for a community tank.
Suggested companions: Danios, Barbs, Gouramis, Loaches, Corydoras, Loricarids, tetras, Apistogramma , Acaras
FOOD: Live; insects, Tubifex , insect larvae; flakes
Sexual differences: Females are plumper.
Breeding techniques: Use a long, shallow tank with a water level not exceeding 8" (20 cm) deep. The water should have values of a pH from 6.0-6.5, a water hardness from 4-8 dH, and a temperature from 77-82°F (25-28°C). Use a substrate of dark, coarse gravel and plant the tank heavily. The parent should be removed just after spawning is completed. As many as 1000 eggs are scattered among plants. The eggs hatch after 24-28 hours and the fry are free-swimming 3-5 days later. Start feeding with Artemia nauplii. The eggs and the fry are sensitive to Infusoria as the Infusoria have a tendency to be physically harmful. Thus it is important not to feed the young with Infusoria.
Breeding potential: 7. Breeding this Rasbora is fairly difficult.
Remarks: This fish's name is from the scissor-like movement of the outer rays of the caudal fin.
Difficulty of care: 2. This hardy species is recommended for a community tank.