The Scissortail Rasbora is a small, beautiful fish. It is popular in home aquariums. Many people like it because it is peaceful and active. This guide will help you learn how to care for this fish well.
What is a Scissortail Rasbora?
The Scissortail Rasbora is a fish from Southeast Asia. It has a thin body and a long tail that looks like scissors. It is shiny and moves fast. The fish grows to about 2 inches long. It is a great choice for beginner fish keepers.
Tank Setup for Scissortail Rasbora
Giving the right home is important for this fish. Here are some things to remember:
- Tank size: At least 20 gallons is good for a small group.
- Shape: A long tank is better than a tall one.
- Water type: Freshwater with clean water is best.
- Temperature: Keep water between 72°F and 82°F (22°C – 28°C).
- pH Level: Between 6.5 and 7.5 works well.
- Hardness: Soft to medium water hardness is fine.
The fish likes open space to swim. Add some plants and decorations, but keep areas open. The fish will enjoy swimming in the middle and upper parts of the tank.
Water Quality and Maintenance
Clean water helps keep your fish healthy. Change 25% of the water every week. Use a water filter to keep the tank clean. Test the water often. Look for good pH and temperature. Avoid big changes in water conditions.
Scissortail Rasbora Diet
Feeding is easy. They eat many types of food. Here are good choices:
- Flakes made for tropical fish
- Frozen or live brine shrimp
- Small worms or insect larvae
- Freeze-dried foods like bloodworms
Feed small amounts two times a day. The fish will eat what they want in a few minutes. Remove extra food to keep water clean.

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How Many Scissortail Rasboras Should You Keep?
These fish are schooling fish. They like to live in groups. Keep at least six Scissortail Rasboras together. Groups make the fish feel safe and happy. They swim well and show their best colors in groups.
Tankmates for Scissortail Rasbora
These fish are peaceful. They do not attack other fish. Good tankmates include:
- Small tetras
- Corydoras catfish
- Other peaceful rasboras
- Small gouramis
Avoid big or aggressive fish. They can hurt the Scissortail Rasbora. Also, avoid fin-nippers. Scissortail Rasboras are not fin-nippers themselves.
Behavior and Temperament
This fish is active and swims a lot. It likes to explore the tank. It is not aggressive or shy. Sometimes, males may show some fighting. Keep more than six to reduce this behavior.
Breeding Scissortail Rasbora
Breeding can be done in home tanks. It needs good water and food. Here are steps:
- Set up a separate breeding tank with soft water.
- Keep temperature around 78°F (25°C).
- Feed fish with live or frozen foods.
- Put a few males and females in the breeding tank.
- Look for eggs on plants or tank walls.
- Remove adults after eggs are laid.
- Wait 1-2 days for eggs to hatch.
Fry will eat tiny food like baby brine shrimp. Keep water clean and safe for young fish.
Common Problems and Health
Scissortail Rasboras are strong fish. But they can get sick if water is bad. Watch for these signs:
- Fish stops swimming much
- Loss of color
- White spots on body
- Clamped fins
- Not eating
If you see these, check water quality first. Use fish medicine if needed. Keep the tank clean to prevent illness.

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Summary Table of Scissortail Rasbora Care
| Care Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Tank Size | 20 gallons or more |
| Water Temperature | 72°F to 82°F (22°C – 28°C) |
| Water pH | 6.5 to 7.5 |
| Water Hardness | Soft to medium |
| Diet | Flakes, frozen or live shrimp, worms |
| Number to Keep | At least 6 fish |
| Tankmates | Peaceful small fish like tetras, Corydoras |
| Breeding | Separate tank, soft water, live food |
Final Tips for Scissortail Rasbora Care
Keep the tank clean and stable. Feed balanced food. Keep fish in groups. Watch their behavior often. Give them space to swim. These things help your Scissortail Rasboras live well. They will brighten your tank with their active swimming and pretty colors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Scissortail Rasboras Easy To Care For?
Scissortail rasboras are peaceful, active, and relatively easy to care for in a clean, well-maintained aquarium. They thrive in groups of six or more.
How Many Scissortail Rasbora Should Be Kept Together?
Keep at least six Scissortail Rasboras together to ensure they feel secure and display natural schooling behavior.
Are Scissortail Rasboras Fin Nippers?
Scissortail rasboras are peaceful, active schooling fish. They do not exhibit fin-nipping behavior and coexist well with tank mates.
Are Scissor Tail Fish Aggressive?
Scissortail fish are generally peaceful but can show mild aggression toward their own kind if not in pairs. They rarely attack other species.
How Many Scissortail Rasboras Should Be Kept Together?
Scissortail Rasboras thrive in groups of six or more for safety and natural behavior.
What Tank Size Is Ideal For Scissortail Rasbora Care?
A tank of at least 20 gallons provides enough swimming space for Scissortail Rasboras.
Are Scissortail Rasboras Aggressive Towards Other Fish?
They are peaceful and rarely show aggression, except occasional territorial disputes.
What Water Conditions Do Scissortail Rasboras Need To Thrive?
Clean, well-filtered water with a temperature between 75-82°F and pH 6. 5-7. 5 suits them best.
