Scissortail Rasbora

 Quick Care Facts

• Care Level: Moderate   • Temperament: Peaceful   • Maximum Size: 6"
• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons   • Water Conditions: 72-78° F, KH 2-5, pH 6.0-7.0
• Diet: Omnivore   • Origin: Vietnam   • Family: Cyprinidae
• Species: Rasboras   • Aquarium Type: Community

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The Scissortail Rasbora is a schooling fish that originates from the tropical waterways and flood plains of Vietnam. It is a long sleek quick fish species that use their speed along with large schools of individuals to evade larger predators. Their speed also comes in handy when it comes to feeding, as they can catch small insects in the water and at the waters surface.

They make a very interesting aquarium species as they will school together and swim about the upper regions of the aquarium; as well as, swimming in and out of taller plant species and tall pieces of driftwood. The Scissortail Rasbora also has a very bright iridescent silver sheen that sparkles as the bright aquarium lights reflect off of the fish as it swims.

Scissortail Rasbora add a lot of contrast to most community aquariums as they are fast top water swimmers, where as the majority of species kept are slower moving mid-water species. Overall the Scissortail Rasbora makes a great addition to all but the smallest freshwater tropical community aquariums.

While Scissortail Rasbora do not have specific feeding or aquarium setup requirements, they do best when kept in groups of 4 or more individuals with plenty of horizontal swimming room. They are very active swimmers that bring a lot of movement and energy to any tropical community aquarium. They are peaceful towards other fish species and are quick enough to easily evade all but the most persistent bullies that they may encounter within the tropical community aquarium environment.

They should be housed in aquariums that are fully covered as they are well known jumpers that instinctively will take to the air when they are startled. Scissortail Rasbora appreciate the presence of plants and driftwood, but also require plenty of open swimming area to feel most at home. Darker substrates and medium plant density along with proper lighting will help to bring out the best coloration in this species, that are capable of exhibiting brilliant silver, gold and black colors.

Scissortail Rasbora are an omnivorous species that will readily accept a wide variety of flake, crisp, freeze-dried, frozen or live foods. A typical tropical species staple flake will satisfy their complete nutritional needs; however, they can be offered bloodworms, brine or other similar foodstuffs to give them some variety in their diet.