The Scissortail Rasbora (Rasbora trilineata) is among the most active and distinctive rasboras kept in the freshwater hobby. Native to rivers, streams, and lakes throughout Malaysia, Sumatra, and Borneo, it can reach up to 15 cm in length, making it one of the larger members of its genus. Its body is sleek and silver with a faint lateral stripe, but the most striking feature is its deeply forked caudal fin, each lobe banded with black and white stripes that create a flashing scissor-like appearance as the fish swims. This motion is particularly mesmerizing when a school moves together in coordinated bursts. In the wild, Scissortail Rasboras inhabit a range of environments from clear, fast-flowing rivers to slow, vegetated streams. They are highly adaptable in terms of water parameters, tolerating moderate hardness and near-neutral pH. In captivity, they require ample horizontal swimming space above all else. A tank that is long rather than tall is preferred. They are thoroughly peaceful and get along well with a wide variety of community fish. Due to their size and active nature, they are best housed with medium to large community fish such as gouramis, larger tetras, and catfish. Scissortail Rasboras are bold feeders that accept flakes, pellets, and live or frozen foods without hesitation.
