Not furry, but we like them anyway.
Scissortail Rasbora
Rasbora trilineata
Also called Three-lined rasbora, Glasbärbling, Scherenbärbling
From Southeast Asia: Chao Phraya and lower Mekong basins (Thailand, Laos, Cambodia), Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra and Borneo123
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
FishBase gives 13 cm total length; Seriously Fish and Wikipedia up to 15 cm
Looks how to spot one
Slender, torpedo-shaped scaled cyprinid with a forked tail
A slim, streamlined rasbora with a silvery, partly see-through body and a greenish back. A dark stripe runs along the rear half of the body, and each lobe of the deeply forked tail carries a black band edged with white, giving a striking scissor-like look. Young fish are especially translucent.31
Personality what they are like
A very peaceful, sociable fish that suits most community tanks with similarly sized companions.1
Daily activity how busy a day looks
An active swimmer of the upper water layers that needs a long tank with plenty of open space. It is a capable jumper, so a tight lid is needed.132
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Easy to care for with regular water changes. A well-fitting cover is a must because it jumps.1
Home where they are happiest
Because it grows large and schools, a tank of at least 120 x 45 x 45 cm (about 255 litres) is recommended. Temperature 22-25 °C, pH 5.0-8.0 (ideally 6.5-7.5), hardness 2-12 °H. Plants at the edges with an open swimming area in the middle work well.12
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Mainly eats insects that land on the water surface, plus worms and small crustaceans. In the aquarium it takes dried foods readily, with Daphnia, Artemia and other live or frozen foods for best colour.124
Company who they like around
A gregarious shoaling fish; keep a group of at least six. Compatible with most peaceful community fish of similar size.1
The story where it all began
Franz Steindachner described the species in 1870. It reached Germany as an aquarium fish in 1932 and has been a regular in the trade ever since.23
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Its 'scissortail' name comes from the way it repeatedly flicks its tail lobes open and shut like scissors while resting.1
- 2
It first arrived in German aquariums in 1932.3
- 3
In captivity it spawns in darkened tanks, placing sticky eggs under objects on the bottom.2
- 4
It is considered one of the easier Rasbora species to breed.1
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Assessed as Least Concern (January 2019)2
- FishBase
- Described by Steindachner in 1870; popular in the aquarium trade2
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Scissortail Rasbora. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
- Water testevery week
- Glass cleanevery week
- Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Scissortail Rasbora?
Feed small amounts once or twice daily, as Furry Diary's starting plan suggests. This keeps your rasbora healthy and active without overfeeding.124 Furry Diary plan
What does a Scissortail Rasbora eat, and what should it never eat?
It enjoys insects, worms, small crustaceans, and dried foods; live or frozen Daphnia and Artemia bring out its best colour. What it should never eat varies by individual, so ask your vet or a good breeder for specific foods to avoid.124
How much space does a Scissortail Rasbora need?
A tank of at least 120 x 45 x 45 cm (about 255 litres) is recommended because it grows large and schools. Provide a long tank with plenty of open swimming space and a tight lid, as it's a capable jumper.12
What temperature, light or water does a Scissortail Rasbora need?
Keep the water at 22, 25°C, pH 5.0, 8.0 (ideally 6.5, 7.5), and hardness 2, 12°H. Place plants at the edges with an open swimming area in the middle, and check the temperature daily as part of Furry Diary's care plan.12 Furry Diary plan
How often should I clean a Scissortail Rasbora's home?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a weekly 25% water change, glass cleaning, and water test. Rinse the filter monthly in old tank water (never tap water) to keep the environment healthy. Furry Diary plan
Can a Scissortail Rasbora live with others?
Yes, it's a peaceful shoaling fish that should be kept in a group of at least six. It gets along with most peaceful community fish of similar size.1
How long does a Scissortail Rasbora live?
Lifespan is not specified in the information provided; it varies with care. Ask your vet or a good breeder for typical longevity.
Can I handle a Scissortail Rasbora?
Handling is not recommended; use a net if needed. Because it's a capable jumper, a tight lid is essential. For specific handling advice, consult an exotic-pet vet.132
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- Seriously Fish - Rasbora trilineata seriouslyfish.comused for origin, size, tank size, water parameters, diet, behaviour, facts
- FishBase - Rasbora trilineata fishbase.seused for author/year, IUCN status, size, habitat, diet, breeding
- Wikipedia (de) - Glasbärbling de.wikipedia.orgused for colours, behaviour, aquarium history
- Wikipedia - Rasbora trilineata en.wikipedia.orgused for names, size, diet
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.