What size tank do scissortail rasboras need?
At least 40 gallons (150 liters) for a group of 6. The smallest standard tank that works is the 37 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable. We give the size for an adult fish in a proper group, because the small fish in the shop will grow. Scientific name: Rasbora trilineata.
How many scissortail rasboras in each tank size?
This is how many each standard tank carries comfortably if scissortail rasboras are the only fish in it. Share the tank with other species and the number goes down.
| Tank | How many scissortail rasboras |
|---|---|
| 5 gallon | Too small |
| 10 gallon | Too small |
| 20 gallon long | Too small |
| 29 gallon | Too small |
| 40 gallon breeder | 6 |
| 55 gallon | up to 8 |
| 75 gallon | up to 11 |
| 125 gallon | up to 18 |
Check scissortail rasboras against your own tank and other fish
Good to know
- Keep at least 6. Alone or in twos and threes, scissortail rasboras hide, stop eating well, or pick on each other.
- This is a jumper. Use a lid with no gaps.
Tank mates for scissortail rasboras
These animals like the same water, are a safe size, and have a temper that fits. It is a match on paper: always watch new tankmates for the first week.
- Giant danio
- Bolivian ram
- Bristlenose pleco
- Upside-down catfish
- Keyhole cichlid
- Zebra loach
- Pictus catfish
- Bronze corydoras
Poor matches
- Fancy goldfish: Goldfish do best with other fancy goldfish.
- Oscar: Oscar is aggressive and will bully or kill peaceful fish such as scissortail rasbora.
- Cherry shrimp: Scissortail rasbora (about 5 in) can eat cherry shrimp (about 1.2 in).
- Molly: They need different water: Scissortail rasbora likes a pH of 6–7.5, molly likes 7.5–8.5.
Questions and answers
What size tank do scissortail rasboras need?
At least 40 gallons (150 liters) for a group of 6. The smallest standard tank that works is the 37 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.
How many scissortail rasboras should be kept together?
At least 6. Scissortail rasboras are social animals and only behave naturally in a group. More is better if the tank has room.
Can scissortail rasboras live in a 10 gallon tank?
No. Scissortail rasbora needs at least 40 gallons (150 liters).
What temperature do scissortail rasboras need?
73–79 °F (23–26 °C), with a pH of 6–7.5. In most homes that means a heater.
Can scissortail rasboras live with a betta?
Usually, yes, in a tank of 40 gallons (150 liters) or more. They like the same water: 75–79 °F (24–26 °C). Every betta has its own temper, so watch closely for the first week and have a spare tank ready.
More fish
Adult size, tank size and water ranges follow the mainstream care consensus (Seriously Fish species profiles and FishBase maximum lengths). Where sources differ we use the more cautious figure. Stocking numbers come from our stocking calculator.